Teenage Pregnancy figures are made up of all conceptions that occur to young girls between the ages of 15 and 17 (though any conceptions at an earlier age will also be recorded in that figure).

The 'rate' is what is commonly used, rather than the actual numbers.

The rate is a figure per 1,000 young women aged 15-17. By using the rate instead of the actual figure, this provides a more consistent way of recording what is happening.

Conceptions include all conceptions - whether they end in termination or births. Sometimes there is a confusion about the reducing rate of teenage conceptions - thinking that the reducing rate means less births and more terminations. That is not so, as all conceptions are counted.

National under 18 conception figures are always about 18 months late (for example, the current figures relate to calendar year 2006). Please use the contact us link if you need to know why that methodology is used.

Calderdale's under 18 conception rate has reduced by 14% from 1998 (this is the year the national Teenage Pregnancy Strategy was introduced). If you would like specific figures for Calderdale, please use the contact us link and we will be happy to provide them for you.