In 1992, the last year for which figures were available, more than 517,600 teen-agers became mothers. Seventy percent were unmarried. More than 12,200 of the young mothers were under the age of 15, the largest number ever recorded.
Throughout the country, teachers, social workers, and teen-agers themselves are finding new ways to address the problem of unplanned and often unwanted pregnancies. These include programs that teach abstinence, clubs that build self-esteem, and alternative schools that allow young parents to finish school while raising a child.
CNN's special coverage on teen pregnancy looks at how today's teen-agers are coping with sexual pressures and unplanned pregnancies.
| Age | Total | % unmarried | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
1992 |
under 15 | 12,200 | 92% |
| 15-19 | 505,415 | 70% | |
| 1990 | under 15 | 11,657 | 92% |
| 15-19 | 521,826 | 67% |
January 9, 1996
At age 16, Sunshine Bailey found
out she was going to be a mother. During the next nine months she navigated the complex set of
questions that all unwed teens face: Would she have the baby?
Would she keep the baby? What would she tell her boyfriend?
How would she tell her parents? How would she take care of
the baby? Would she stay in school?
-Full Story-
January 8, 1996
It began almost three years
ago in a youth group meeting at Tulip Grove Baptist Church in
Nashville, Tennessee. It has since spread like wildfire.
"We never knew that it would go as far as it's gone," says
member Melissa Ulmer, 15.
-Full Story-
January 8, 1996
Trying to prevent teen pregnancy is a
complex and controversial issue, whether it is done by
handing out condoms or preaching abstinence. But there is
perhaps one method with which most people probably can agree:
building self-esteem. Experts say teens who feel good about
themselves are more likely to delay intercourse or use
contraceptives.
-Full Story-
January 8, 1996
Andre Anderson is 17.
Barbara Kahn is 16. Their daughter Dreauna is luckier than
most children of teen-age parents. Her father is sticking
around. "She has a chance, better than I had," Andre says.
-Full story-
January 8, 1996
Simply being street smart may not be
enough to prevent teen-agers from having sex, but some street
wisdom gained through shared peer experiences might. That's
the rationale behind Smart Moves, a program sweeping boys and
girls clubs across the country that helps teens say "no" to
sex -- and teen-age pregnancy.
-Full story-
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