Public sector equality duty
Pregnancy and maternity
The Equality Act 2010 prohibits discrimination against a person because they are pregnant or have recently given birth. Pregnancy is the condition of being pregnant; maternity refers to the period after giving birth and is linked to maternity leave in a work context. In a non-work context, protection against maternity discrimination is for 26 weeks after the birth and this includes treating a woman unfavourably because she is breastfeeding.
We're committed to promoting equality amongst people of all ages and valuing the contribution made by all citizens.
Pregnancy and maternity in Southwark
The following data from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show the comparison between Southwark, London and England
|
2012 ONS |
Southwark |
London |
England |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Live births |
5,030 |
134,186 |
694,241 |
|
General Fertility Rate (GFR)* |
62.7 |
67.0 |
64.9 |
|
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)** |
1.72 |
1.84 |
1.94 |
|
* number of live births per 1,000 women aged 15 to 44 ** number of live children that a group of women would bear if they experienced the age-specific fertility rates of the calendar year in question throughout their childbearing lifespan |
|||
Southwark has a slightly lower general fertility rate (number of live births per 1000 women) than either London or the whole of England.
Teenage conceptions in Southwark, London and England
|
2011 - ONS |
Southwark |
London |
England |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Number |
180 |
3,890 |
29,166 |
|
Rate* |
42.7 |
28.7 |
30.7 |
|
% leading to abortion |
59.4 |
61.0 |
49.3 |
|
* per 1,000 female population aged 15 to 17 |
|||
Although our teenage pregnancy rates are on the decline, the rates are still significantly higher than in London of England as a whole.
Examples of how we're working to promote equality
Using data available from a range of sources has enabled us to identify and address some of the issues faced by pregnant women and those who have recently given birth. Some examples are given below:
- we convened a Teenage Pregnancy Commission in 2010 to 2011 which reviewed council and partnership strategies and plans and recommended actions to reduce the numbers of teenage pregnancies in Southwark; Southwark Council funds a number of children’s centres, which provide advice and support for parents and carers (many of the services at the centres are provided free of charge)
- our borough was a pilot area for the Family Nurse Partnership, and continues to run this beyond the pilot period; the service provides early intervention for young first time mothers to promote positive child development and to prevent maltreatment
Further information and support
- Guys and St Thomas Hospital and King's College Hospital websites which provide information about maternity care, giving birth and caring for a new baby in Southwark
- Maternity Action works to end inequality and promote the health and wellbeing of all pregnant women, their partners and children. Their services include an advice line for pregnant and new mothers
- The National Childbirth Trust provides information, counselling and advice to new parents in the UK
Page last updated: 02 August 2022
