Teen pregnancy prevention:  current perspectives.
OBJECTIVE
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Harvard School of Public Health, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. claudialavin@hotmail.com
Claudia
C
Lavin
Joanne E
JE
Cox
D000028:Abortion, Induced / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D000293:Adolescent; D000294:Adolescent Behavior; D003268:Contraception Behavior / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D055317:Evidence-Based Practice; D005193:Family Planning Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006297:Health Services Accessibility / Q000706:statistics & numerical data* / Q000639:trends; D006801:Humans; D011247:Pregnancy; D011253:Pregnancy in Adolescence / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012736:Sex Education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012746:Sexual Abstinence; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology