AN ARTICLE in the online edition of the Harrow Observer (March 2) suggested that Harrow's teenage pregnancy rate is among the highest in the country.
The headline of the article, 'Harrow teen pregnancy among country's highest', is factually incorrect, both in terms of the absolute number of pregnancies in Harrow borough in relation to other boroughs and according to the rate of pregnancies per 1,000 that can be attributed to 15-17-year-olds in Harrow.
The borough has the third lowest rate of teenage pregnancy in London, the 10th lowest in all of England, showing a continuing reduction of five per cent since 1998. Although 67 per cent of teenage pregnancies in the borough lead to termination, this rate is comparable to 25 of London's 31 local authorities, which have abortion rates of at least 60 per cent.
Harrow Council and Harrow Primary Care Trust continue to emphasise the importance of sex and relationship education as the pillar of our local joint partnership in order to ensure that young people make informed choices, delay sexual activity when appropriate and practise safe sex when they become sexually active.
However, abortion is an option for all women in Harrow, and it should be noted that abortion rates for older women are higher than those under 18.
DR SARAH CROWTHER
Harrow Primary Care Trust
Harrow Council COUNCILLOR CHRISTINE
BEDNELL
Chief executive Portfolio Holder for children's services
