Non-marital childbearing is associated with many adverse outcomes for both the mother and the child. Most of these births are unintended. If these unintended births could be reduced it might improve children's prospects by enabling their mothers to get more education, earn more, and wait to have children within marriage. In this brief, the authors…

Compares changes in birth rates, sexual activity, abortion rates, illegitimate births, and incidence of giving babies up for adoption among White and Black adolescents and explores social and cultural influences on the racial differences. Presents suggestions for culturally related interventions in the area of teenage pregnancy. (Author/MJL)

Presents an overview of changes in childbearing and fertility-regulating behavior that relate to policy issues concerned with child development and well-being. Discusses developmental consequences of "unwantedness" and adolescent childbearing. Also considers special needs of children in developing countries. (Author/GC)