Over 60% Decline in the Number of Births to Teenagers Since 2001

Tuesday 31st May 2016 – Over 60% Decline in the Number of Births to Teenagers Since 2001

Decline of 72% in Number of Teenagers giving Irish Addresses in UK Abortion Clinics Since 2001

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Programme in Schools and Youth Centres Contributing to the Decline

The HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme has welcomed the birth figures released today (Tuesday, 31st May 2016) by the Central Statistics Office, showing a further decline in the number of births to teenagers, from 1,253 in 2014 to 1,187 in 2015.

Since the establishment of the HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme (formerly the Crisis Pregnancy Agency) in 2001, the total number of births to teenagers has decreased from 3,087 in 2001 to 1,187 in 2015, a decline of 62% over 14 years. This equates to a decrease in the teenage birth rate from 20 per 1000 of women aged 15-19 in population in Ireland in 2001 to 8.7 per 1000 of women aged 15-19 in population in 2015.

Over the same time period, the number of teenagers (females under 20 years of age) giving Irish addresses in UK abortion clinics has also substantially declined,  from 944 in 2001 to 263 in 2015, a 72% decline over 14 years.

Welcoming today’s figures, Orla McGowan, Education Officer, HSE Sexual Health and Crisis Pregnancy Programme said: “The Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE) Programme in schools and in youth centres has had a significant contribution   to the figures released today. The RSE Programme is supported by the Department of Education, the Department of Health and the HSE through the Healthy Ireland Framework.

“Parents and guardians also have a huge influence on their teenagers and while some teenagers might try to shut down a conversation about relationships and sex, it is important that they know the facts before they decide to have sex for the first time.  We have developed a website www.B4uDecide.ie for teenagers and parents, with videos, quizzes, polls and information about healthy relationships.    We also have packs for teachers that are freely available online or can be ordered on www.healthpromotion.ie”

The Health Behaviour of School Aged Children Survey 2014, a nationally representative survey, found that 27% of 15-17 year olds report having had sex, unchanged since 2010. Of those, 73% reported that they used condoms and 33% reported that they used the oral contraceptive pill at last intercourse.

Ms McGowan commented: “These are high levels of contraceptive use among teenagers, though it should be noted that more than one quarter did not use condoms and may be putting themselves at risk of getting a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STIs). Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) records show that in 2015, there were 915 cases of teenagers (15-19) diagnosed with either Chlamydia (633 cases) Gonorrhoea  (149 cases) and Genital Herpes (133 cases). It is important that we get the message across to young people who are sexually active that condoms are very effective at preventing STIs and unplanned pregnancy.”

The HSE has developed a number of DVD’s and booklets to help parents communicate with their children about relationships and sex at different ages. These resources are available free of charge from www.healthpromotion.ie.

The RSE Programme is supported by the Department of Education, the Department of Health and HSE Health and Wellbeing through the National Sexual Health Strategy and the Healthy Ireland Framework.

Notes to Editor

1. The teenage birth rate for 2015

The teenage birth rate for 2015 is based on the estimated population for females aged 15 to 19 in 2015. Teenage birth statistics for 2015, 2014 and 2013 are sourced from CSO Vital Statistics Fourth Quarter and Yearly Summary reports 2014 and 2013. Statistics for 2001 – 2012 are sourced from CSO Vital Statistics Annual Reports 2001 to 2012.

No. of births to Teenagers (under 20)

2. Irish research on the link between sex education and contraceptive use. 

The Irish Contraception and Crisis Pregnancy Study (2010), a nationally representative study of the general population found that 86% of young people aged 18-25 received sex education as teenagers, compared with 76% of 26-35 year olds. Of those who received sex education, approximately 90% of 18-25 year olds said that they received it in school, compared with 80% of 26-35 year olds.

The quality of sex education has improved, with 70% of young people saying that it was helpful to them in their relationships, compared to 60% of 26-35 year olds.

Those who received sex education were 1.5 times more likely to have used contraception at first sex than those who did not receive sex education.

Approximately 90% of young people aged between 18-25 said that they used contraception the first time they had sex.  80% of young people say that they use contraception consistently, every time they have sex.

3. Support for Teen Parents

The Teen Parents Support Programme is a support service for young mothers, young fathers and their families from pregnancy until the baby is 2 years of age. They offer support and information in all areas of a young parent’s life including health, relationships, parenting, child care, social welfare entitlements, education, training and anything else about which the mother or father is concerned.  There are 11 Teen Parent Support Programmes around the country, funded by the HSE.  For more information visit www.tpsp.ie or contact (01) 670 0167.

4. Relevant links and resources

‘Busy Bodies’ – Resource for parents of 10-14 year olds

‘You Can Talk To Me’ – Resource for parents of 11-15 year olds

‘Advice for Mams and Dads – Talking to teenagers about relationships and sex’

‘The Facts’ – DVD for parents teachers and youth workers. It contains information on fertility, contraception, STIs and crisis pregnancy, plus a condom demonstration.

‘B4uDecide.ie’ – education initiative developed to support 14-16 years old teenagers in making responsible decision about relationships and sexual health. An education resource pack is avbaileble for teachers and youth workers.

All resources are available free of charge from www.healthpromotion.ie

The TRUST (Talking Relationships Understanding Sexuality Teaching) Resource consists of a 40-minute DVD and 21 lesson plans.  Teachers can avail of a copy of the resource through training provided by the PDST (www.pdst.ie)

Issued by:

HSE Press Office