Pregnancy and parenthood in young people: strategy update

Reports on progress against aims and actions and sets out next steps.


The Impact of Inequality

The Scottish Government is committed to tackling the significant inequalities in Scottish society and there continues to be a strong correlation between deprivation and pregnancy in young people aged under 20. Although the latest data show a narrowing of the gap between the most and least deprived areas, it continues to be the case that in the under 20 age group:

  • a young woman living in Scotland's most deprived areas is five times more likely to experience a pregnancy as someone living in the least deprived.
  • the most deprived areas have 13 times the rate of delivery compared to the least deprived [5]

This is why the work of the Strategy is essential. It has a clear focus on the social determinants of teenage pregnancy, recognising that it is not just a sexual health issue, but one of equity. Through supporting increased life chances, we can help all young people to have the opportunity to plan for a positive future, whether that includes becoming a parent - or otherwise.

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