Teenage pregnancy and fertility in New South Wales: an examination of fertility trends, abortion and birth outcomes

Abstract

This paper reviews the data available in New South Wales on teenage fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes. Teenage births comprise six per cent of all births in New South Wales, but they constitute a significant public health problem because they are associated with elevated rates of adverse pregnancy outcomes, which include low birthweight, perinatal death and pre-eclampsia. Risk is concentrated in females under 18 years of age. Pregnancy outcomes for females aged 18 to 19 years are similar to those of women aged 20 to 24 years. Teenage fertility rates have remained stable since the mid-1980s, following a decline which began in the early 1970s. There are large geographic variations in teenage fertility within the state, with the highest rates in the far west of New South Wales and in western Sydney. Teenage pregnancy in New South Wales (as distinct from fertility which reflects births) cannot be assessed accurately because of the lack of information on terminations of pregnancy. However, available data suggest that teenage pregnancy rates have not increased during the 1980s.

PIP: Pregnancy in women under age 18 is associated with low birthweight, perinatal death, and pre-eclampsia. While data exists on the number of children borne to teenage women in New South Wales, insufficient information exists on the level of induced and spontaneous abortions to allow conclusions on actual rates of teen pregnancy. This paper reviews available data on teen fertility rates and pregnancy outcomes in the state. Births to teens account for 6% of all births in New South Wales. Although large geographical variations in fertility exist within the state, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has recorded that the overall rate of teen fertility has declined from 57.8 live births per 1000 teen females in 1971, to 27.6/1000 in 1980, and 20.6/1000 in 1989. These declines may be attributed largely to improved contraceptive practice, a decline in nuptial births, and an increase in terminations of pregnancy. Overall teen fertility rates have remained stable since the mid-1980s. Highest rates are seen in the far West of the state and in western Sydney and may be the result of comparative social disadvantage or the limited availability of contraceptive advice and abortion facilities in those localities. Available data suggest that teen pregnancy rates have not increased during the 1980s. More information is, however, needed on the pattern of teen pregnancy; efforts should be made to prevent pregnancy in women under age 18 years; the adverse outcomes for pregnant females and their offspring must be recognized; and these women must be provided with education, antenatal care, and postnatal support.