Teenage Pregnancy

Abstract:
This fact sheet notes that although teenage pregnancy rates in the U.S. have declined in recent years, teenage pregnancy remains an endemic public health problem. Young women of color and young women of low income are disproportionately affected by teenage childbearing. The fact sheet offers statistics on pregnancy rates: for instance, one in every 15 men fathers a child while he is a teenager, and half of all adolescent pregnancies occur within the first six months following first intercourse. The fact sheet also provides information on unintended pregnancy, birth rates, and abortion. A section titled 'Pregnancy Risks and Outcomes' contrasts teens' expectations for pregnancy/parenting with the reality of other teens' experiences: for instance, 94% of teens believe that if they were involved in a pregnancy they would stay in school, but in actuality, only 70% eventually complete high school; 32% of teens say they would consider an abortion, but in actuality, 50% of pregnancies to unmarried teens end in abortion. The information presented in this fact sheet will be helpful to a wide variety of individuals concerned about teenage pregnancy.

Publication: SIECUS Report


Date Published: 2/1/1998

Pages: 2

Location Code: 8242