Abortion in the 'noughties is getting easier for teenage girls in Kent.

In the last 10 years the number of 15 to 17-year-old girls choosing a termination has increased by 13 per cent.

In fact, more than half of girls in that age group becoming pregnant now have a termination, according to the latest figures for 2007.

The biggest rise in terminations has been seen in recent years. Up until 2006 the total had been relatively stable, but in the following 12 months the number of abortions in the county rose by eight per cent.

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In contrast, the number of teenage girls getting abortions in Medway dropped by two per cent between 2006 and 2007. The overall figure still rose by 10 per cent since 1998 though, with almost half of all girls falling pregnant opting for a termination.

Tony Kerridge, Marie Stopes International spokesman, said the results proved young girls are becoming more aware of their options.

He said: "They are thinking a bit harder about whether having a child is a good choice as a teenager in terms of lifestyle and their future prospects.

"It also shows that the lie from right wing commentators that there is this group of teenage girls who get pregnant intentionally with a view to get housing or entering a benefits culture lifestyle is clearly not the case."

Mr Kerridge attributed the rise in abortions to an increase in awareness.

He said: "London used to be called the abortion capital of the world, and it is certainly the centre of abortion provision in the country.

Marie Stopes International has got six centres, in London and the South East, including one in Maidstone and has nine centres nationally.