Teen pregnancy 10 times more likely in low-income households, study finds
Teenage pregnancy ‘10 times more likely’ among girls from disadvantaged backgrounds
- A study has found that teenage girls from disadvantaged backgrounds in England are significantly more likely to give birth before the age of 20.
- Academically high-achieving girls from low-income households were 10 times more likely to report a pregnancy compared to their equally academic, wealthier peers.
- The highest pregnancy rates were observed among low-achieving girls from poorer backgrounds, with a 12.9 per cent chance by age 20.
- Authored by Professor John Jerrim of University College London, the study advocates for a joined-up approach across education, social care, and health services.
- The research also revealed that high-achieving children from disadvantaged backgrounds were twice as likely to be hospitalised for mental health and behavioural reasons.