Teen Pregnancy Prevention and United States Students
What is the problem?
The 2017 national Youth Risk Behavior Survey indicates that among U.S. high school students:
Sexual Risk Behaviors
- 3.4% had sexual intercourse for the first time before age 13 years.
- 28.7% were currently sexually active during the 3 months before the survey. 1
- 46.2% did not use a condom during last sexual intercourse. 2
- 13.8% did not use any method to prevent pregnancy during last sexual intercourse.2
- 70.6% did not use birth control pills; an IUD or implant; or a shot, patch, or birth control ring to prevent pregnancy before last sexual intercourse. 2
- 18.8% drank alcohol or used drugs before last sexual intercourse. 2
What are the solutions?
- Better health education
- More comprehensive health services
What are the solutions?
The School Health Policies and Practices Study 2014 indicates that among U.S. high schools:
Health Education
- 88% required students to receive instruction on health topics as part of a specific course. As part of a required health education course:
- 72% taught how to prevent pregnancy.
- 64% taught how to find valid information or services related to pregnancy or pregnancy testing.
- 76% taught abstinence as the most effective method to avoid pregnancy, HIV, and other STDs.
- 61% taught methods of contraception.
- 53% taught how to obtain contraception.
- 35% taught how to correctly use a condom.
- 50% taught how to obtain condoms.
- 76% taught the relationship between alcohol or other drug use and the risk for HIV, other STDs, and pregnancy.
Health Services
- 11% provided contraceptives at school.
- 7% made condoms available to students at school.
- 41% provided pregnancy prevention services at school in one-on-one or small-group sessions.
- 12% provided contraceptives to students through arrangements with providers not located on school property.
- Had sexual intercourse with at least one person.
- Among students who were currently sexually active.
Page last reviewed: March 1, 2019