Preventing adolescent pregnancy: meeting the comprehensive range of needs

Too often, the problem of the pregnant adolescent is approached as if it existed in isolation, disconnected from the remainder of the adolescent's biological and psychosocial environment. Such an approach fails to recognize the interconnectedness of all issues within the adolescent's world, therefore, impeding a successful therapeutic response. In order to administer complete and comprehensive treatment of the problem of teenage pregnancy, the total needs of the pregnant adolescent, the potentially pregnant adolescent and the adolescent male must be addressed. These needs vary with the different stages of adolescent development. During this time in which children learn how to become adults by observing their world and taking cues from the environment, the varying needs are: Early Adolescence--to develop the ability to perceive the long range consequences of their current actions and decisions; to define the boundaries of their independence while relying on major authority figures; and to make important decisions and develop the operational connection between the sex act and birth control. Mid Adolescence--to achieve emancipation from the family and all other authority; to identify with a chosen peer group; to develop an identified sexual identity; and to apply an appreciation for the connection between the sex act and pregnancy to themselves. Late adolescence--to plan for the future and to establish some kind of family. This psychological and social maturational process occurs immediately before, during and after the pubertal growth period. In the United States today, it usually occupies the years between 12 and 21 years.