New figures have revealed West Dunbartonshire has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Scotland.
The Public Health Scotland figures show a total of 76 women under the age of 20 living in the region fell pregnant in 2020.
There were 33.2 pregnancies per 1000 women – compared to the Scottish average of 23.9 – with the statistics revealing rates were five times higher in areas of deprivation.
In neighbouring affluent East Dunbartonshire, teenage pregnancy rates are the sixth lowest in the country, with the lowest being in Argyll and Bute.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie said she was concerned over the figures and said more work needs to be undertaken around education and communication.
She said: “It is of concern that West Dunbartonshire has the highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Scotland.
“The persistent trend that girls in the most deprived communities have the highest levels of pregnancies exemplifies yet another health inequality where outcomes are poorer for those in less well-off areas.
“There needs to be more work undertaken here in West Dunbartonshire with a focus on education and communication to help promote change and ensure young people are being properly supported.
“Unfortunately, this just highlights another example of where the Scottish Government needs to do more to tackle health inequalities and support women and girls.”
Despite the high rate, the figures have decreased substantially compared to 2011, when a total of 140 teenagers under 20 fell pregnant, including 24 under the age of 16 between 2009 and 2011.
The teenage pregnancy rate in Scotland is also at its lowest level since reporting began with 3,300 pregnancies in women under 20, half of which ended in terminations.
The report states that teenagers from the most deprived areas are more likely to deliver than to terminate their pregnancy.
West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership said it closely monitors the figures and works with young people around advice and education.
A spokeswoman said: “The HSCP, along with educational services and the council’s community planning partnership, are committed to supporting our young people to nurture healthy, positive and safe relationships from an early age.
“Teenage pregnancy numbers are regularly monitored, and we continue to work with young people to provide them with well-informed and accessible advice and guidance in relationships, sexual health and parenthood education.”
A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “We are working to ensure teenage pregnancy rates across Scotland continue to reduce, especially in the areas of highest deprivation.
“Our Women’s Health Plan, the first of its kind in the UK, aims to raise awareness and improve access to healthcare and reduce health inequalities for girls and women.
“The plan takes on board the real-life experiences of women on what is important to them.”
