[Adolescent pregnancy. A proposal for intervention]

Adolescent pregnancy constitutes an important problem, not so much in infant mortality (which is low), but in the diseases which can accompany it. Pregnancies at this age have an elevated social and emotional cost. The principle consequences of adolescent pregnancy are: abortions, forced marriages, undesired motherhood, adoptions and emotional problems that can lead to depression and suicide. Clearly, the impact of these pregnancies can have many lasting repercussions. But one fact persists adolescent pregnancy can and should be prevented. Nurses are in the ideal situation to assume the role as leaders in the fight to prevent teenage pregnancy, whether it be in the local medical clinics or in the schools; our position in the community enables us to know the needs and socioeconomic characteristics of our patients. Nursing training has prepared us to investigate risk factors that are present as well as ways to design programs and educational strategies to inform our young. We must also be prepared, along with other health professionals (doctors, social workers, etc.), to deal with the inevitable unwanted pregnancy. Our job demands that we be able to evaluate the options available to these young people in an atmosphere of support and understanding.