ABSTRACT. The prevention of unintended adolescent
pregnancy is an important goal of the American Academy
of Pediatrics and our society. Although adolescent
pregnancy and birth rates have been steadily decreasing,
many adolescents still become pregnant. Since the last
statement on adolescent pregnancy was issued by the
Academy in 1998, efforts to prevent adolescent pregnancy
have increased, and new observations, technologies,
and prevention effectiveness data have emerged.
The purpose of this clinical report is to review current
trends and issues related to adolescent pregnancy, update
practitioners on this topic, and review legal and policy
implications of concern to pediatricians. Pediatrics 2005;
116:281–286; pregnancy, contraceptives, childbearing, adolescent
parents.