THE NUMBER of schoolgirls in Oxfordshire who have been given a controversial contraceptive implant has risen by 50 per cent in three years.

In 2009, 46 girls under the age of 16 were implanted with the powerful mix of hormones, designed to alter their menstrual cycle to prevent pregnancy.

By 2011, the figure had risen to 69 – despite all of the girls being under the legal age of sexual consent.

The number of girls being given a contraceptive injection fell slightly, with 25 girls under 16 opting for the method in 2009, compared to 23 last year.

Oxford Health, the county’s community health trust, said the implant operations were not carried out in schools.

But they confirmed the option to have an implant was offered to girls via school-based ‘Bodyzone clinics’ and there was no legal obligation for the girls’ parents to be informed.

An Oxford Health spokesman said: “The Oxfordshire Contraception and Sexual Health (C&SH) services are provided at our clinics, Bodyzones, which are based at schools and run in partnership with school nurses, and through an outreach worker who contacts girls following a referral.

“The service prides itself on providing crucial support to young people, along with accurate information and advice.

“Girls are always treated with respect and are referred to the appropriate services.

“The work that is taking place within the C&SH service is part of the teenage pregnancy strategy which has been successful in reducing the number of teenage pregnancies in Oxfordshire.”

Last year, 26.1 out of 1,000 girls in the county aged between 15 and 17 became pregnant.

In 2005, the figure stood at 34.1 per 1,000.

The contraceptive implant is inserted into the arm and works to temporarily prevent pregnancy by releasing hormones into the blood.

It is typically 4cm long and is inserted under the skin.

But under strict patient confidentiality rules, all staff involved in the procedure are banned from seeking the permission of parents beforehand. They are also banned from informing them afterwards.

The Rev Roger Burne, of the Blackbird Leys’ Church of the Holy Family, in Cuddesdon Way, said the numbers were thankfully small.

He said: “I would much rather girls felt able to have a conversation with their parents, but I also understand that sometimes that is not possible.

“A school nurse isn’t mum, but it’s better than not having anyone to talk to.”