Teen Pregnancy: Key Statistics

Abstract:
This report provides information on the extent, consequences, and prevention of teen pregnancy in the U.S. It notes that more than 4 out of 10 young women become pregnant at least once before they reach the age of 20--nearly one million a year. Only one-third of teen mothers receive a high school diploma, and nearly 80% of unmarried teen mothers end up on welfare. The primary reason that teenage girls who have never had intercourse give for abstaining from sex is that having sex would be against their religious or moral values. In addition, teenagers who have strong emotional attachments to their parents are much less likely to become sexually active at an early age, and parents rate highly among many teens as trustworthy and preferred information sources on birth control. Some of the graphs accompanying the text are difficult to read, but information in the text is presented clearly and succinctly. The report illustrates the dramatic impact of teen pregnancy as well as factors likely to prevent it.


Date Published: 4/1/1998

Pages: 3

Comments:
This publication is included in the folder "The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy," May 1998, #6158.

Location Code: 8247