Children born as a result of unintended pregnancies run higher risks of low birth-weight and preterm birth, both of which increase the likelihood of infant mortality. For teens, becoming a parent is a leading reason for dropping out of high school. Teen childbearing in the United States costs taxpayers at least $10.9 billion (2008) due to expenditures associated with negative consequences for the children of teens.
See the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy for 50-state data, research, best practices, and policy guidance.
A recent study of teens in a predominantly Latino San Francisco neighborhood found that that teenage girls whose boyfriends are in a gang are twice as likely to become pregnant as their peers. The findings suggest that integrating reproductive health education with violence prevention efforts is an important intervention strategy for this population. For more information, see Teen Pregnancy Prevention: Making a Difference for High-risk Populations
Virginia’s Partners in Prevention programs seek male participation by offering the intervention in combination with sporting activities such as basketball and flag football teams. They also partner with community colleges and vocational schools, parole and probation offices, subsidized housing, and family planning clinics. For more on promoting male involvement.