By all indicators, the reproductive health of Americans has been deteriorating since 1980. Our nation is troubled by rates of teen pregnancies and newborn deaths that are worse than almost all others in the Western world. Science and Babies is a straightforward presentation of the major reproductive issues we face that suggests answers for the public. The book discusses how the clash of opinions on sex and family planning prevents us from making a national commitment to reproductive health; why people in the United States have fewer contraceptive choices than those in many other countries; what we need to do to improve social and medical services for teens and people living in poverty; how couples should "shop" for a fertility service and make consumer-wise decisions; and what we can expect in the futureâ€"featuring interesting accounts of potential scientific advances.

More than 1 million teenage girls in the United States become pregnant each year; nearly half give birth. Why do these young people, who are hardly more than children themselves, become parents? This volume reviews in detail the trends in and consequences of teenage sexual behavior and offers thoughtful insights on the issues of sexual initiation, contraception, pregnancy, abortion, adoption, and the well-being of adolescent families. It provides a systematic assessment of the impact of various programmatic approaches, both preventive and ameliorative, in light of the growing scientific understanding of the topic.

"Adolescent pregnancy is an important public health issue and this valuable, well-referenced book covers the risk factors, child-family outcomes, and prevention .This is a very useful book for social workers and other professionals as a single source of current information about adolescent pregnancy and prevention." --Doody's This new edition of Adolescent Pregnancy contains everything a social worker needs to know to address adolescent sexual health risks and the recent rise in teen pregnancy rates. The second edition presents a new focus on cultural competence, presenting up-to-the-minute research on ethnically diverse populations. This edition goes beyond just adolescent pregnancy, discussing STI and HIV risks, as well as drug and alcohol abuse. Other cutting-edge topics include the sexualization of children, secondary prevention, the impact of abstinence-only programs, and controversies over access to birth control and abortion. Key features: Guidelines for identifying pregnancy risk levels in adolescents, and determining appropriate interventions New information about STI and HIV/AIDS prevention strategies Theories of illegitimacy and teen pregnancy, and why pregnancy rates vary among ethnic groups Research on pregnancy prevention programs that help both young men and women avoid unwanted pregnancy Chapters on adolescent parenting, and secondary prevention among adolescent parents With this book, practitioners can provide young men and women with the tools they need to regain control of their lives and their sexual health. A critically important read for social workers, health professionals, and policy makers who are concerned about adolescent pregnancy.

Adolescent pregnancy is a problem which arouses strong feelings. This book attempts to put the matter as it affects the USA into a historical framework and to discuss the social and policy issues raised.