§ Mrs. Knightasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what is the estimated cost to the National Health Service budget for the treatment of the harmful consequences of teenage sexual intercourse.
§ Dr. VaughanIt is not possible to estimate the cost of the harmful consequences of teenage sexual intercourse. Financial costs to the NHS of the three major consequences—abortions, illegitimate births and sexually transmitted diseases—are not separately identified. The personal and social costs of unwanted teenage pregnancies are, however, well recognised and are a cause for particular concern. That is why the Department has asked the Health Education Council to put a special effort into this field later this year.