Teen pregnancy & birth

Information and advice on pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care is available to all parents and parents-to-be from The National Childbirth Trust (www.nct.org.uk). The Pregnancy and Birth line 0300 33 00 772 is for expectant Mums and Dads (Monday - Friday 10am - 8pm). The NCT Enquiry Line can help you with any concerns on 0300 33 00 772 (Monday - Thursday 9am - 5pm, Friday 9am - 4pm). For more on what the NCT has to offer and to find local support groups go to their website.

The Sense CDs website has CDs on a number of issues including teenagers and pregnancy, go to www.sensecds.com.

Gingerbread (www.gingerbread.org.uk) run an information service for single parents on a variety of issues including childcare, benefits and legal rights. Call 0800 018 5026 for advise (free, Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm, Wednesdays 9am - 8pm). You can also order The Young Mum's Guide on the line. Find out more from their website.

Parentline Plus (www.parentlineplus.org.uk) offer help and support to anyone in a parenting role. Call 0808 800 22 22 (free, confidential 24 hours a day). They also provide an e mail helpline for the times when it's easier to write than talk, just send to parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk. There's lots of practical information, advice and understanding on being a new mum at www.ivillage.co.uk/pregnancyandbaby. If you've recently found out your pregnant it's important you know what your options are.

In England, Wales and Scotland a woman of any age can have an abortion up to 24 weeks of pregnancy, if two doctors agree she has good reasons under the abortion laws. In Jersey, abortion is only legal up to 12 weeks. The Abortion Act does not apply to Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man. A woman under 16 may be able to have an abortion without her parents' approval if the doctors believe she has enough understanding of the decision and it would be in her best interests to have an abortion.

If you've had unprotected sex very recently you can take emergency contraception - the morning after pills - up to 72 hours after you had sex.

If you're under 16 you can get the pills free from family planning clinics, Brooks clinics, your GP if they provide a contraception service, some hospital Accident & Emergency departments and NHS walk-in centres, but phone to check first.

If you're over 16 emergency contraceptive pills are also available direct from most chemists or pharmacies at a cost of around 25 pounds.

If you're under the age of 25, think you might be pregnant, and need to talk to someone about what to do next, contact Ask Brook (www.brook.org.uk) on 0808 802 1234 (free, confidential Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm), information that helps young women to make the choice that's right for them. Brook also offer confidential information about sexual health and contraception. Brook also run a text help service, just text brook help to 81222. If you visit their website you'll find lots of useful information as well as the opportunity to ask a confidential question by e-mail.

The FPA (www.fpa.org.uk) helpline offers information and advice on a range of issues including contraception, planning a pregnancy and abortion. Callers can discuss their options to enable a choice that's right for them, or they can find out about their nearest clinic by calling 0845 122 8690 (local rate Monday - Friday 9am - 6pm). If you're in Northern Ireland phone 02890 325 488.

The BPAS (www.bpas.org) provide telephone support and information to help women make their own decisions on preventing pregnancy or ending an unwanted pregnancy. Call 08457 30 40 30 (Monday - Friday 8am - 9pm, Saturday 8.30am - 6pm, Sunday 9.30am - 2.30pm). BPAS also run consultation centres and clinics throughout the UK and post abortion counselling.

Marie Stopes International (www.mariestopes.org.uk) has centres in the UK offering a range of services including abortion advice and help. To find your nearest centre for abortion, emergency contraception or information call 0845 300 8090 (local rate, 24 hours a day). Or go to the website for information or to make an appointment.

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.

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