“The proportion of pregnancies resulting in a maternity was positively associated with level of deprivation, but the effect remained similar over time. ?Conclusion: From the 1980s to the 1990s the difference in rates of teenage pregnancy between more affluent and more deprived areas widened.” A letter in response: “(McLeod) does not, however, mention the equally well established link between one parent families and teenage pregnancy, which is graphically illustrated by (although not highlighted in the text of) the 1999 social exclusion report on teenage pregnancy. Young people aged 14-17 who live in a two parent family are less likely to have ever had sexual intercourse than young people living in any other family arrangement, even after adjusting for potentially confounding factors such as race, age, and socioeconomic deprivation.” Stammers T, Teenage pregnancies are influenced by family structure BMJ 2002 324 51 (Jan 5)

BMJ 2001;323:199-203

McLeod, A., Changing patterns of teenage pregnancy: population based study of small areas