BROMSGROVE has the highest proportion of teenage abortions in the entire West Midlands region, new figures have revealed.

The town has a low number of teenage pregnancies, at just 24.2 per 1,000 girls under 18, but in 56 per cent of cases they were aborted.

In the region as a whole, the average was 50 pregnancies per 1,000 girls with only 40 per cent opt-ing for an abortion, the same as the national figure.

The figures, which cover 1992-97, were compiled by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), which explained that teenagers, where the conception rate was lower, were more likely to opt for a termination.

The ONS survey said abortion rates tended to be highest in areas that were rural, prosperous and had high levels of home ownership, and where people were in professional or managerial jobs.

Teenage pregnancy co-ordinator at Worcestershire Health Authority, Sheena Stuart, said the figures showed family planning was having an impact and when teenagers did get pregnant, many of them were able to access services to help them make their decision.

She said: "Services in the Bromsgrove area are known to be particularly accessible for young people seeking family planning, sexual health or conception advice.

"Also, if young people come from more solidly prosperous areas they are more likely to seek help early.

"We try and make sure their life and their child's life are not blighted."