Reducing Teenage Pregnancy in England, 2010 to 2015: A case study

Abstract

The policy to reduce teenage pregnancy in England has been used as a case study to explore health policy sustainability. Between 2010 and 2015 many areas across England sustained and improved their conception rate reductions following implementation of the 2000-2010 national Teenage Pregnancy Strategy. Little is known of the factors underpinning these successes in the policy context beyond 2010. This thesis investigates sustained and improved reductions in teenage pregnancy in local authority areas post 2010. The broader political and economic context in which policy is shaped is examined, and the influence of New Public Managerialism considered. The findings suggest three overarching themes which impact on policy sustainability: leadership; understanding the issue; and resources. The thesis develops a seven elements framework, identifying factors to be analysed for policy sustainability. The thesis makes a unique contribution to the understanding of teenage pregnancy policy, providing a detailed review of local actions post 2010. It further adds to the body of knowledge regarding policy sustainability with the development of the seven elements framework. In addition, the thesis is presented at a notable point in history, as the global Covid-19 pandemic takes hold across the world. This situation is considered in the light of insights from the thesis and implications for the policy context into the future are contemplated.