§ Mr. Keyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what action he is taking to improve National Health Service family planning and pregnancy counselling services for young people; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeThe Government are concerned to reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy among young people, and to encourage them to seek advice early if they suspect they are pregnant. To aid the further development of health services in this area, I shall be inviting interested health authorities to submit proposals for projects to provide a family planning and pregnancy counselling service specifically for young people under 25. Where teenagers are concerned, such services must take account of the need not to undermine family stability or relationships between parents and their children. These requirements will be fully considered before projects are approved. I would hope to select three projects which would be district-based, and funded centrally for a three-year period starting in this financial year.
The projects will be evaluated and I hope that the findings will help health authorities generally in providing services appropriate to this age group.