The adolescent and contraception: issues and controversies
Rosenfield, A.
International Journal of Gynaecology and Obstetrics the Official Organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics 19(1): 57-64
1981
ISSN/ISBN: 0020-7292 PMID: 6111498 DOI: 10.1016/0020-7292(81)90039-4Document Number: 232841
In reviewing issues relating to adolescent sexuality and high fertility in the United States, attention is directed to delivery of contraceptive services and contraceptive methods (IUDs and oral contraceptives). The serious social, economic and health problems resulting from teenage childbearing have only recently been fully recognized in the U. S. For women in the 15-19 year age group, the U. S. has 1 of the highest birthrates of any industrialized country. It is estimated that over 1/2 of the 21 million young people in the United States between the ages of 15 and 19 years have been sexually active. At this time, slightly more than 1 million teenagers become pregnant each year. Approximately 600,000 of the 1 million pregnancies result in a live birth. The majority of teenagers who are in school when they become pregnant drop out of school as a result. Data relating to adolescent sexuality and pregnancy in most developing countries are limited and additional information would be of inestimable value. Thus far, few special services have been made available for teenagers in developing countries. U. S. programs aimed specifically at the delivery of contraceptive services to teenagers have been established. Identification of the teenager as a special high-risk group led to the establishment of the Young Adult Clinic at the Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center in New York in 1978. During the first 2 years there were over 6000 visits by teenagers. New clients participate in a group counseling session on sexual and contraceptive issues and then receive individual counseling to discuss the contraceptive method of their choice. 1 of the most significant problems relating to the provision of contraceptive services to teenagers is the lack of an ideal contraceptive method.