Adolescent sexual activity and childbearing in Latin America and the Caribbean: risks and consequences.

This document reviews recent survey data in graphic and written form on adolescent sexual activity and childbearing and presents policy options to confront this growing social problem.

Abstract

In 1992 there were almost 23 million young women aged 15-19 years in Latin America and the Caribbean; they collectively constitute 25% of women of reproductive age in the region. They bear 16% of the regions total 13 million annual births. The percentage of total births and the absolute number of births to adolescents however are increasing. Much concern exists over the health and education of teenage mothers the health and social development of children born to these young women the well-being of teenage men exposed to sexually transmitted diseases or who quit school to provide for young families and societys losses and obligations incurred by adolescents and their children who are unable to become fully productive and independent citizens. Moreover while modernization has tended to increase the degree of urbanization and prosperity of populations urban residents remain influenced by traditional rural views on sex early motherhood and related public policy. This document reviews recent survey data in graphic and written form on adolescent sexual activity and childbearing and presents policy options to confront this growing social problem. Sections discuss the dimensions of adolescent childbearing education and urbanization sexual activity and marriage use of family planning consequences and policy options.