NCJ Number
133935
Journal
Evaluation and Program Planning Volume: 14 Dated: (1991) Pages: 3-16
Date Published
1991
Length
14 pages
Annotation
The effectiveness of programs aimed at teenage pregnancy and childbearing is reviewed.
Abstract
Programs for adolescents generally have one of two goals: (1) to prevent pregnancy or (2) to ameliorate its negative consequences. Adolescent pregnancy prevention programs are grouped according to their primary focus: prevention of pregnancy by delaying sexual intercourse; prevention of pregnancy by improving contraceptive use; and prevention of pregnancy and childbearing more generally by improving life options. Results of evaluations of programs to delay sexual initiation are just beginning to become available. At this point, no firm conclusions can be drawn. In contrast, the evidence consistently supports the effectiveness of contraceptive methods, properly used, in preventing pregnancy. Once pregnant, a number of factors influence the decision as to how a young woman resolves an unplanned pregnancy such as availability of abortion, adoption procedures, and nutrition programs. These evaluations suggest that there are short-term effects in the areas of focus of the program and that disadvantaged teens benefit most from such programs. 58 references