New figures have revealed West Dunbartonshire has the best charge of teenage pregnancies in Scotland.
The Public Well being Scotland figures present a complete of 76 ladies underneath the age of 20 residing within the area fell pregnant in 2020.
There have been 33.2 pregnancies per 1000 ladies – in comparison with the Scottish common of 23.9 – with the statistics revealing charges had been 5 occasions increased in areas of deprivation.
In neighbouring prosperous East Dunbartonshire, teenage being pregnant charges are the sixth lowest within the nation, with the bottom being in Argyll and Bute.
Dumbarton MSP Jackie Baillie stated she was involved over the figures and stated extra work must be undertaken round training and communication.
She stated: “It's of concern that West Dunbartonshire has the best charge of teenage pregnancies in Scotland.
“The persistent development that women in probably the most disadvantaged communities have the best ranges of pregnancies exemplifies one more well being inequality the place outcomes are poorer for these in much less well-off areas.
“There must be extra work undertaken right here in West Dunbartonshire with a concentrate on training and communication to assist promote change and guarantee younger individuals are being correctly supported.
“Sadly, this simply highlights one other instance of the place the Scottish Authorities must do extra to sort out well being inequalities and help ladies and women.”
Regardless of the excessive charge, the figures have decreased considerably in comparison with 2011, when a complete of 140 youngsters underneath 20 fell pregnant, together with 24 underneath the age of 16 between 2009 and 2011.
The teenage being pregnant charge in Scotland can be at its lowest stage since reporting started with 3,300 pregnancies in ladies underneath 20, half of which led to terminations.
The report states that youngsters from probably the most disadvantaged areas usually tend to ship than to terminate their being pregnant.
West Dunbartonshire Well being and Social Care Partnership stated it carefully displays the figures and works with younger folks round recommendation and training.
A spokeswoman stated: “The HSCP, together with academic companies and the council’s group planning partnership, are dedicated to supporting our younger folks to nurture wholesome, constructive and protected relationships from an early age.
“Teenage being pregnant numbers are frequently monitored, and we proceed to work with younger folks to offer them with well-informed and accessible recommendation and steerage in relationships, sexual well being and parenthood training.”
A Scottish Authorities spokesperson stated: “We're working to make sure teenage being pregnant charges throughout Scotland proceed to cut back, particularly within the areas of highest deprivation.
“Our Ladies’s Well being Plan, the primary of its form within the UK, goals to boost consciousness and enhance entry to healthcare and cut back well being inequalities for women and girls.
“The plan takes on board the real-life experiences of ladies on what's necessary to them.”