Uses phenomenology to (1) examine how stories of pregnancy exemplify the strategic nature of family storytelling, and (2) explore the nature and function of storytelling as a cultural strategy for the generation and reproduction of small-group cultures, and (3) reveal the way in which stories of pregnancy organize communication and constitute "the…

Presents findings of a longitudinal study which examined the possible determinants and consequences of repeat pregnancy among economically disadvantaged young mothers. Reports that early subsequent pregnancies are associated with a number of negative short-term consequences in education, employment, and welfare dependency. (KH)

Legal rights of the fetus and selective abortion are the major focus of a review of legal cases and educational literature concerning fetuses that may be handicapped or have the potential to be handicapped at birth. Related issues include parental immunity, protection of an unborn child, and quality of life. (Author/JW)

Legislators often have established special procedures for judicial or parental involvement in adolescent abortion decisions. While ostensibly protecting pregnant minors' psychological health, and increasing the competency of decision making, judicial bypass and parental notification promote neither goal. At best, they are benign but costly and…

Discusses the psychosocial context of unintended teenage pregnancies, including emotional and cognitive development during adolescence, family and peer relations, and norms for gender-appropriate sexual expression. The main goal in counseling is helping clients reach and implement an informed and fulled integrated decision about the pregnancy.…

Although it once seemed simple to say that a single event such as birth trauma or asphyxia caused brain disorders like cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and epilepsy, a recent study showed that it is nearly impossible to pinpoint a single cause and its effects. Recommendations for further research are made. (BB)

Three groups of teenagers (child bearers, terminators, and contraceptors) were interviewed to identify factors that may best differentiate the groups. The findings suggest that, among the teens who became pregnant, motivation to use contraceptives may be the key factor. Education about the availability and mode of contraceptive use is essential.…

Describes an historical cohort study of 3,767 teenagers aged 12-16 years, enrolled in Arkansas Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC). Results indicate teenagers with sisters who bore children have elevated childbearing rate ratios. Suggests this group be targeted for family planning efforts. (SA)

A survey of 161 women, ages 13 to 18, revealed that adolescents who get pregnant are somewhat more likely to be traditional in sex role orientation. They also tend to be younger, lower in socioeconomic status, and more likely to depend on God to determine their lives than their birth control-seeking counterparts. (KH)

The author demonstrates through poetry samples how feminist poetry can help nursing students understand patient feelings and emotions while students take part in a clinical rotation in a women's health unit. Topics include aging, pregnancy, childbirth, and sense of "self." (CT)

Presents a test of the Fishbein model of behavior prediction applied to predict the pregnancy risk-taking behavior of adolescent females (N=244). Analyses of data showed that the Fishbein model of attitude-behavior consistency seems to be applicable to the fertility-related behavior of adolescent females. (LLL)

This report presents key findings from a comprehensive report on pregnancies and pregnancy rates for U.S. women. The study incorporates birth, abortion, and fetal loss data to compile national estimates of pregnancy rates according to a variety of characteristics, including age, race, Hispanic origin, and marital status. Data from the National…

This third Innocenti Report Card presents the most up-to-date and comprehensive survey so far of teenage birth rates in the industrialized world. And it attempts at least a partial analysis of why some countries have teenage birth rates that are ten or even fifteen times higher than others. The starting point is a new league table of teenage birth…

These charts describe adults' and adolescents' views on teen sex and pregnancy. Data come from national surveys of adults and adolescents that examined attitudes toward teen sex and pregnancy, factors influencing teens' sexual decisions, parents' roles, and adults' and teens' advice for policymakers. There is near unanimous agreement among both…

Although the 1996 federal welfare reform law exhorts states to reduce teen and out-of-wedlock births, preliminary field research has found few links between welfare reform and pregnancy prevention, and the ones that do exist are often tenuous, hard to believe, and difficult to assess. States have established new and stronger connections between…