Abortions twice national average

4:30pm Friday 27th June 2008

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TEENAGE abortion rates are twice the national average in two London boroughs, according to figures released by the Department of Health.

Statistics showed the average rate of abortions among under-18s in Lewisham and Greenwich boroughs is twice the national average.

Last year, Lewisham borough had an average of 40 abortions per 1,000 girls aged under 18 and Greenwich borough had 38.

The national average is 19.8.

However, a Lewisham Primary Care Trust spokesman says efforts are being made to tackle the problem.

He said: "We've made services for pregnant teenagers more accessible and improved the availability of emergency contraceptives at pharmacies.

"We've also increased outreach work in schools and educating youngsters about safe sex."

There are currently four sexual health clinics in Lewisham borough, providing advice, information and support for young people, including advice on abortion.

Despite this the number of abortions in Lewisham has increased, with 173 abortions carried out on under-18s in the past year, up from 145 in 2006.

But the spokesman added: "I think the message is getting through because we have seen more young people accessing our services.

"Access to advice and counselling is also improving and by improving people's knowledge we are enabling young people to make more informed choices."

Although teenage abortion rates in Greenwich borough are lower than in Lewisham, the borough has seen a rapid rise in recent years, from 119 abortions recorded in 2006 to 152 last year.

The Greenwich Primary Care Trust is running initiatives to help tackle the problem, including the introduction of sexual health clinics in schools.

There are currently six schools in Greenwich borough with a drop-in health clinic, providing sexual health advice and contraceptives.

Greenwich Primary Care Trust public health development nurse Sewlan Ooi said: "We have had a brilliant response to the initiative from both students and parents.

"It's all about making the service accessible to young people who may not otherwise know where to go if they have a problem."

According to Ms Ooi, Kidbrooke School, in Corelli Road, has seen a yearly average of 15 teenage pregnancies drop to one since a clinic opened there in 2003.