NCJ Number
117074
Date Published
1987
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This article summaries the results of a comparative study of adolescent pregnancy and childbearing in 37 developed countries to ascertain the determinants of teenage reproductive behavior, especially factors that might be subject to policy changes.
Abstract
The dependent variables used were cumulative age-specific birthrates for girls under age 18 and those for women age 18-19. Measures for 42 independent variables were obtained from published data and from a country-level survey. A questionnaire was sent to each public affairs officer of the American Embassy in each of the 37 foreign countries, to the Embassy of each of the countries in Washington, D.C., and to the family planning organization or other agency responsible for family planning services in each country. A multivariate analysis was conducted and resulted in a positive association between teenage childbearing and the proportion of the labor force employed in agriculture (suggestive of level of socioeconomic development). There was a positive relationship between levels of maternity leaves and benefits and the teenage birthrate. Analysis of the relationship between fertility and openness about sex revealed a lower birthrate in countries with the most liberal views. More equitable distribution of income was negatively related to the cumulative birthrate for girls under 18. The birthrate for older teenagers was lower where the minimum age for marriage was higher. The rate for older teenagers was also somewhat responsive to government policies to increase fertility. Suggested policy implications are that increasing the legitimacy and availability of contraception and sex education (in its broadest sense) is likely to reduce teenage pregnancy rates. 6 figures, 1 table, 10 references.