This resource supports a comprehensive school health approach to preventing fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, addressing various aspects of the health and life skills and the career and life management programs of study through an approach that focuses on the development of a healthy self-concept and healthy relationships as fundamental to…

This report presents 2001 data on U.S. births according to maternal demographics (age, live-birth order, marital status, race, Hispanic origin, and educational attainment); maternal characteristics (medical risk factors, weight gain, and tobacco and alcohol use); pregnant women's medical care utilization (prenatal care, obstetric procedures,…

The author discusses ethical issues for middle school counselors facing problems of child abuse, drug and alcohol usage, and pregnancy. (HLM)

Among 41 Mexican immigrant women interviewed soon after giving birth, everyday pregnancy care (often family-influenced) guided maternal behaviors in pregnancy and positively affected birth weight. Interviewees had positive birth outcomes despite low incomes, low education levels, and lack of access to medical care. Discusses implications for…

Longitudinal studies in two countries investigated impact of father absence on girls' early sexual activity (ESA) and teenage pregnancy. Findings indicated that greater exposure to father absence strongly related to elevated ESA and adolescent pregnancy risk. Elevated risk was not explained (U.S. sample) or only partly explained (New Zealand…

Relations of contraceptive behavior, problem behaviors, and health-protective behaviors were examined in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of sexually active adolescents. Findings demonstrate substantial organization among adolescent health and problem behaviors and suggest that contraceptive behavior should be conceptualized…

Analysis of data on 115 British children placed in local child protection registers prior to their 6th birthday found significant relationships between low birth weight, unintended pregnancies, poor health, and developmental problems in infancy and subsequent maltreatment. Also, mothers of registered children were less likely to have reported…

Computerized infant simulators may deter early parenthood. A survey of 1,285 teenagers before and after simulation showed a significant change in some attitudes toward parenting. Males reported the strongest attitude change, while females began with more realistic understandings of parenting. Further study is needed to determine whether attitude…

Explores the following policy approaches to drug use by pregnant women: (1) criminal prosecution of the mother; (2) allegations of child neglect against the mother with interruption of custody; and (3) drug treatment. Discusses whether each reduces drug use during pregnancy or improves maternal and infant health and well-being. (JS)

Case studies of 10 unmarried, African-American adolescent mothers at risk of dropping out of school are presented, revealing the stressful situations created by competing demands of school and home. Educational deficits that existed prior to pregnancy and their influence on contraceptive behavior and pregnancy resolution are noted. Intervention…

Reviews issues surrounding adoption as an option for resolving teen crisis pregnancies. Examines the decision-making processes and social psychological consequences of adoption as a distinct phenomenon, including adoption rates and characteristics, factors influencing the adoption decision, birth mother response to adoption placement, and social…

Surveyed 416 Nigerian students ages 10 through 16 to examine levels of reproductive health knowledge. Television ranked first as students' sources of information on reproduction, pregnancy, birth control, and AIDS. Older children indicated more knowledge than preteenagers, girls more than boys, and students living in dormitories more than those…

Highlights contemporary sexuality issues that confront children, adolescents, and the adults who care for them. Discusses teenage pregnancy, sexual abuse, HIV/AIDS, sexual orientation, and sexual harassment. States that schools and treatment programs have an important role in sexuality education and that the costs of neglecting that role is high…

Adolescent pregnancy is a challenge for teens and their families as well as for service providers, social scientists, and legislators. A cost-effective "solution" that consistently demonstrates its effectiveness in reducing unwed pregnancy has not been found. Three related articles (this issue) are discussed; issues for clinicians and researchers,…

The Safer Choices program, being tested in Texas and California, is a multicomponent program to change behaviors which lead to infection with HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases or pregnancy. Components include a School Health Promotion Council, curriculum and staff development activities, school environment activities implemented by peer…