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

August 2020 Research Article
Parent, partner and individual contexts of very early first sex experiences among young men and their links to subsequent reproductive health outcomes

Asari Offiong, Laura D. Lindberg, Jacky M. Jennings, Patricia J. Dittus and Arik V. Marcell Culture, Health & Sexuality: An International Journal for Research, Intervention and Care
July 2020 Policy Analysis
Just $10 Per Person a Year Could Provide Sexual and Reproductive Health Services to All—Will the United States Help Make That Happen?

Zara Ahmed
April 2020 Policy Analysis
Reducing STI Cases: Young People Deserve Better Sexual Health Information and Services

Leah H. Keller Guttmacher Policy Review
April 2020 Fact Sheet
Contraceptive Use Among Adolescents in the United States
February 2020 Policy Analysis
Expanding the Scope of Sex Education and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program: A Work in Progress

Leah H. Keller and Laura D. Lindberg
February 2020 Policy Analysis
“Parental Involvement” Mandates for Abortion Harm Young People, But Policymakers Can Fight Back

Sophia Naide
February 2020 Research Article
Adolescent Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use, and Pregnancy in Britain and the U.S.: A Multidecade Comparison

Laura D. Lindberg, Kaye Wellings and Rachel H. Scott Journal of Adolescent Health
January 2020 Policy Analysis
State Lawmakers Say Yes to Consent Education

Sophia Naide
January 2020 Research Article
Pleasure and Sex Education: The Need for Broadening Both Content and Measurement

Leslie Kantor and Laura D. Lindberg American Journal of Public Health
December 2019 Infographic
In 2019, 17 states enacted some type of abortion restriction, while 9 states protected or expanded abortion access

Explore the Data Center

Hear from an expert

Condom use has increased more than any other contraceptive method among adolescents. Clearly, it is important to include young men in research, policy and programs focused on teen sex.