An overview of the Teenage Pregnancy Strategy with a close look at the content of the Best Practice Guidance for Doctors and other Health Professionals on the Provision of Advice and Treatment to Young People under 16 on Contraception, Sexual and Reproductive Health issued in 2004

The Teenage Pregnancy Strategy launched in 1999 by the New Labour government called for renewed attention to a problem which was identified as a public health issue and as a cause of social exclusion. From the beginning its implementation focused on providing Sex and Relationship Education as well as easy access to sexual health services. The Guidance for Healthcare Professionals issued in 2004 particularly insists on the importance of offering a friendly and non-judgemental approach, and confidential advice and treatment to young people. Although the Strategy was constantly monitored and, along the years, a certain evolution can be seen, these two remain the key elements to deal successfully with this important issue. Moreover, a close analysis of the many documents published, the results achieved and the chosen approach, raises some questions about the importance given to autonomy, confidentiality and consent in public health, and to the way the promotion of behaviour change is understood, and how the issue relates to the whole of society. Considering teenage pregnancy as a result of social inequalities, more than a cause of it, could lead to an approach more focused on dealing effectively with social inequalities. Besides, the importance of personal responsibility in relation to society, as intended by “Civic Republicanism”, could overcome the individual responsibility as understood within the liberal approach. The awareness of being members of a society in which we are all interdependent and responsible for our personal flourishing as well as that of society, may provide the right motivations both for young people to overcome the individualistic attitude of pursuing only one’s pleasure while avoiding adverse outcomes, and for professionals to take greater responsibility in offering significant support to young people, beyond merely complying with the requirements of their professional duties.