[Few teenage pregnancies in Sweden--a comparison between five Western industrialized countries. Support from and...

Cross-national comparisons of teenage sexual and reproductive behavior in five Western industrialized countries show vast differences in teenage pregnancy rates and birthrates. The lowest rates are found in Sweden and France, moderate rates in Canada and Great Britain, and the highest in the USA. Since age and frequency of sexual activity are similar across countries, the variations in pregnancy rate reflect young people's motivation and ability to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Sweden and France offer the most positive attitudes to sexuality combined with a clear expectation that teenagers can make responsible decision about sexuality and delay childbearing. Societal acceptance of teenage sexuality is reflected in open-minded sexuality education and easy access to contraceptive services. In contrast the official message in USA is to delay childbearing until marriage by abstinence only, and use of contraceptives is not supported. Differences in societal support for employment and education also played a major role.