Teen pregnancy prevention

current perspectives

Lavin, Claudia^a; Cox, Joanne E.^b,c

^aHarvard School of Public Health

^bDivision of Adolescent/Young Adult Medicine

^cDepartment of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Correspondence to Claudia Lavin, MD, Division of General Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Boston, 300 Longwood Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA. Tel: +1 617 55 181; fax: +1 617 39 458; e-mail:[email protected]

Current Opinion in Pediatrics24(4):p 462-469, August 2012. |DOI:10.1097/MOP.0b013e3283555bee

Abstract

Purpose of review

Teen pregnancy has been subject of public concern for many years. In the United States, despite nearly 2 decades of declining teen pregnancy and birth rates, the problem persists, with significant disparities present across racial groups and in state-specific rates. This review examines recent trends, pregnancy prevention initiatives and family planning policies that address the special needs of vulnerable youth.

Recent findings

Unintended teen pregnancies impose potentially serious social and health burdens on teen parents and their children, as well as costs to society. Trends in teen pregnancy and birth rates show continued decline, but state and racial disparities have widened. Demographic factors and policy changes have contributed to these disparities. Research supports comprehensive pregnancy prevention initiatives that are multifaceted and promote consistent and correct use of effective methods of contraception for youth at risk of becoming pregnant.

Summary

There is strong consensus that effective teen pregnancy prevention strategies should be multifaceted, focusing on delay of sexual activity especially in younger teens while promoting consistent and correct use of effective methods of contraception for those youth who are or plan to be sexually active. There is a need for further research to identify effective interventions for vulnerable populations.