Teen pregnancies in city go down

Teenage pregnancy rates in Leicester are down, according to the latest figures released by the city council.

There was an 18.6% reduction in the conception rate for under-18s in 2007 compared with the previous year. This equates to 74 fewer pregnancies.

The government wants Leicester city to make even greater reductions by 2010.

Co-ordinator of the teenage pregnancy project Kirsty Reid said: "Young people are telling us what works and what services they will access."

She added: "We're aiming to reach the (government's) target but there's no denying that it's a very challenging target to meet.

"We still do have a long way to go but we're encouraged by the reduction and there are plans in place to sustain that trend."

Earlier this year health officials produced a graphic video depicting a teenager giving birth in a school playground in an effort to cut under-age pregnancies in Leicester.