Adolescent pregnancy trends and demographics.

In the United States today, 9% of women aged 15 to 19 years become pregnant each year: 5% give birth, 3% have induced abortions, and 1% have miscarriages or stillbirths--rates much higher than those in other developed countries. Rates are highest among those who are older, from disadvantaged backgrounds, black or Hispanic, married, have much older male partners, and live in southern states. Teen pregnancies are overwhelmingly unintended, reflecting substantial gaps in contraceptive use, and difficulties using reversible methods effectively. Teen pregnancy, birth, and abortion levels have decreased in recent years, primarily because of more effective contraceptive use (responsible for about 75% of the decline), and because of fewer adolescents having sexual intercourse (about 25%). Much work remains to improve the conditions in which young people grow up, provide them with information and education regarding sexuality and relationships, and improve access to sexual and reproductive health services.