Certain subpopulations of youth with histories of trauma seem to be at increased risk of pregnancy.
For example, youth in foster care have persistently higher rates of adolescent pregnancy, as much as twice that of the general population.
Retrospective findings suggest that even youth suspected of being victims of maltreatment face increased risk.
In a study using linked birth and child protective services (CPS) records in California, Putnam- Hornstein et al.
demonstrated that adolescent mothers had higher rates of both alleged and substantiated maltreatment reports.
Studies show that a range of childhood adversities signifycantly contribute to the risk of teen pregnancy, abortion, and rapid repeat pregnancy.