Continues dialogue begun with two articles on teenage pregnancy and childbearing published in 1991 ("As the Pendulum Swings: Teenage Childbearing and Social Concern" and "Teenage Childbearing and Social and Reproductive Disadvantage: The Evolution of Complex Questions and the Demise of Simple Answers"). Attempts to point out unsettled research…

Assesses the evidence for revisionist views of teenage childbearing. These theories suggest that the perception of teenage pregnancy as a growing social problem has been caused by the political agendas of certain interest groups; the consequences of early childbearing have been exaggerated; and pregnancy among disadvantaged teenagers may be an…

Explores the impact of teenage pregnancy and childbearing on the families of the adolescents and examines the amount and type of support extended by the family of origin to the pregnant teenager. (Author/GC)

Investigates the potential impact of statutory rape laws on teen fertility and initiation of sexual activity. Shows that misleading conclusions about the extent to which teen girls engage in sexual activities with older men may be drawn if these conclusions are based simply on data on births. States that successful enforcement of statutory rape…

The marital histories of 203 young women who became premaritally pregnant in their early teens and 90 of their classmates most of whom married before pregnancy show that disruption in the courtship process and limited economic resources are the most important factors in marital dissolution. (Author/AM)

Reviews research on the changing patterns of childbearing among adolescents and the impact of premature parenthood on the life course of young mothers and their children. The evidence supports the need for more integration among services and the importance of increasing the availability of services to those in need. (Author/BJV)