United States

Teens

As a leading authority on teen reproductive health, the Guttmacher Institute estimates national and state-level teen pregnancy rates; documents teens’ access to sexual and reproductive health information and services; and promotes fact-based, comprehensive sex education and youth-friendly, confidential services.

Research Article

Trends in U.S. Adolescent Sexual Behavior and Contraceptive Use, 2006-2019

Report

Pregnancies, Births and Abortions in the United States, 1973–2017: National and State Trends by Age

Fact Sheet

Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States

average age at first sex in the United States

states require parental consent for minors seeking abortions

66%

of sexually active U.S. teenage women practice contraception

Resources

March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
An Overview of Consent to Reproductive Health Services by Young People
March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
Minors’ Access to Contraceptive Services
March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
Minors’ Access to STI Services
March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
Minors’ Rights as Parents
March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
Parental Involvement in Minors’ Abortions
March 1, 2023 State Laws and Policies
Protecting Confidentiality for Individuals Insured as Dependents
November 2022 Opinion
Access to Comprehensive Reproductive Health Care is an Adolescent Health Issue

Sarah Wood and Aletha Y. Akers Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PolicyLab blog
June 2022 Policy Analysis
State Policy Trends at Midyear 2022: With Roe About to Be Overturned, Some States Double Down on Abortion Restrictions

Elizabeth Nash and Peter Ephross
June 2022 Research Article
Patterns in Receipt and Source of STI Testing Among Young People in the United States, 2013–2019

Zoe H. Pleasure , Laura D. Lindberg, Jennifer Mueller and Jennifer J. Frost Journal of Adolescent Health
May 2022 Opinion
The Sunshine State goes dark on adolescent health. It’s a dangerous misstep in Florida

Laura D. Lindberg and Morgan Philbin Miami Herald

Explore the Data Center

Hear from an expert

Sex is a normal part of human development. Instead of stigmatizing teen sex, let’s support teens by making sure they have access to comprehensive sex education and health care.