Abortion rates for teenagers in Harrow are among the highest in the UK - according to figures released this week.

In total 104 teenagers aged between 15 and 17 fell pregnant in 2007, and the latest stats show that nearly 70 per cent of those lead to terminations.

Although teenage pregnancy rates in the borough have decreased marginally, from 107 in 2006, this statistic puts Harrow sixth highest in the country for ratio of abortions to teenage pregnancies.

Only Barnet, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Westminster and Kingston-Upon-Thames have higher rates in London, although the latter two have far fewer pregnancies.

Rutland has the highest abortion rate in the UK with 78 per cent, however, in the same year just 23 teens were expecting.

One potential explanation for the high levels in Harrow, according to a spokesman at abortion clinic group Marie Stopes, may be the religious views of those living in the area.

He said: "Although we wouldn't speculate as to what pressures make any individual opt for an abortion it is possible that it has something to do with ethnicity.

"What I would say is more likely is that the message is getting through to teenagers that having a child at an early age isn't necessarily the best option.

"This does show however, contrary to popular belief, that teenage girls aren't getting pregnant to gain houses or benefits but that they clearly need to be educated better on the need to use protection."

Fifteen year old Hindu Rhiya Pau, one of Harrow's representatives at the UK Youth Parliament, disputes that abortion rates are because of religious reasons or relate to cultural differences, but came down to people's individual circumstances.

She said: "I think everyone in that position will have their own reasons for the decision they make but I think it has a lot to do with upbringing.

"Hindus don't necessarily disagree with having an abortion, it depends on the circumstances.

"Religion and ethnicity has nothing to do with it, it has more to do with the fact that teenagers are exposed to television programmes and magazines that sexualise everything.

"Even though sex for under 16s is illegal, young people do it and they should be more educated on the consequences."

In the UK generally, teenage pregnancy rates have risen for the first time in seven years and now has the highest rate in the whole of Europe.