From Teenage pregnancies Year of conception, ending 31 December 2024 Published 28 July 2026 (Latest release), the above and:
The teenage pregnancy rate in Scotland decreased slightly from 25.8 per 1,000 women in 2023 to 25.6 in 2024. This is equivalent to 3,833 teenage pregnancies in 2024. https://www.publichealthscotland.scot/publications/teenage-pregnancies/teenage-pregnancies-year-of-conception-ending-31-december-2024/
The equivalent figure for England, in 2023 (2024 not yet posted) is 28 per 1 000.
This 2.2 per 1000 difference refers to around 40 000 teenage pregnancies in England.
Why is this statistic important?
In short, the statistic is not just a number—it serves as a proxy for how well society supports young people in making informed choices, accessing services, and avoiding outcomes that can limit life chances. Comparing Scotland with England helps place national performance in context.
Pregnancies in the teenage years (especially under 18) are linked to higher rates of complications such as preterm birth, low birth weight, and maternal mental health challenges. Tracking the rate helps identify needs for better antenatal care, contraception services, and support. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-pregnancy
Early parenthood often interrupts education and training, which can reduce future employment prospects and increase reliance on benefits. Lower rates are associated with better educational attainment and economic independence for young women. https://www.nuffieldtrust.org.uk/resource/teenage-pregnancy
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The 'Unstoppable' Talking-up Scotland 
Scotland’s population was 5million from 1900 and before. Dipped in the 1950s (War). Scotland’s population only increased after Devolution 2000. 5.4million. Low unemployment because of SNP policies.
More opportunity for young folk. Better sex education and contraceptive advice.
Scotland one of the most non densly places in the world.
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Also, as The Spirit Level points out, higher rates of teenage pregnancy correlate with a more unequal society. A left-of-centre government legislates to reduce inequality and its social ills.
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