THE Wimmera has the third highest rate of teenage pregnancies in Victoria at almost double the state average.
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Data from the Victorian Department of Education examined the number of live births to women aged under 19 years (per 1000 women) in the year 2014. Victorian Child and Adolescent Monitoring System data from 2014 recorded 27.1 live births to women aged under 19 years for every 1000 women in the age group in Horsham Rural City Council’s area.
Northern Grampians Shire recorded 22.7 live births per 1000 teenage women and girls and Ararat recorded 26.8.
There was no data available for West Wimmera, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke shires.
Wimmera Uniting Care chief executive Wendy Sturgess said the high rate of teenage pregnancies could be both a symptom and a cause of long-term social disadvantage.
“In the 15 to 19-year-old age group, Wimmera-Southern Mallee had 53 pregnancies for every 100,000 people. Metropolitan Melbourne had two,” she said.
“Even though the overall numbers are low, the rate of incidence is such an alarming figure.
“Fifteen to 19 is quite a young age to be starting parenthood. It’s really alarming because of what that means for other aspects.”
Ms Sturgess said having children at such a young age put a lot of financial pressure on the mother and could limit their education.
“It’s much harder to complete years 11 and 12 if you have to worry about a baby at the same time,” she said.
“If you don’t complete year 12 then it is much harder to get further education or to get a good job.”
Ms Sturgess said she did not know for certain why the rate was so high, but the solution would have to involve both teenage boys and girls.
“It’s speculation but it could be a lack of knowledge about respectful relationships,” she said.
“I know they teach sex ed in schools, but maybe there are young people who do not know or take responsibility.
“Anecdotally I have heard it is difficult for young people in the region to access termination services.”