Adolescent sexuality and paramarriage

The problems of adolescent sexuality as parent and physician encounter them are briefly presented. The situation as regards venereal disease, inadvertent pregnancy, and abortion appears to be worsening. The author proposes participation of our specialty in a program directed toward (1) improved understanding between parents and child, (2) sex education throughout elementary school and high school, and (3) consideration of a new relationship between the sexes, entitled "paramarriage." Such an undertaking is a logical step in the new role of obstetricians and gynecologists as primary physicians to women.