Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health, what steps the Government Equalities Office is taking to ensure that young women's life choices are not limited by unplanned parenthood.

The Department of Health is responsible for this policy area.

Continuing to reduce under 18 pregnancies remains a priority, as highlighted by the inclusion of this indicator in the Public Health Outcomes Framework. Under 18 conceptions have reduced by 33% in England since 2010. Local authorities lead on action to reduce teenage pregnancy rates and provide dedicated support to young parents. Public Health England and the Local Government Association last year published a briefing for councillors highlighting the need for further progress

http://www.local.gov.uk/publications/-/journal_content/56/10180/7661314/PUBLICATION

and a Framework to support teenage mothers and young fathers which sets out the multi-agency contribution needed to improve outcomes for young parents and their children.

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/teenage-mothers-and-young-fathers-support-framework

In the majority of councils pregnant teenagers and young mothers are receiving support from the Family Nurse Partnership which provides intensive support from a family nurse from early pregnancy until their child is two.