How We Can Prevent Teen Pregnancy (And Why It's Not the Real Problem)

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Abstract
Research on the relationship of sexuality education and contraceptive availability to teen pregnancy prevention is reviewed in light of charges that each has encouraged higher teen pregnancy rates. It appears that neither sexuality education nor contraceptive availability can be blamed for teen pregnancy rates, and that in fact the overwhelming weight of research evidence is that these factors have helped limit or reduce teen pregnancy rates. The current debate focuses more upon teen sexual activity than it does upon teen pregnancy, and if public policy interest is truly in preventing teen pregnancy, models currently exist which can contribute to that goal. Comprehensive programs, including but not limited to school-based clinics, are capable of reducing teen pregnancy rates. Programs which focus exclusively upon helping young people”, say no to sex” are criticized. The costs of instituting a widespread national campaign of comprehensive programs are compared to the current costs annually of paying for families begun by teen pregnancy.

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