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

December 2019 Infographic
In 2019, states enacted 145 proactive reproductive health policies
December 2019 Infographic
In 2019, U.S. state policies enacted to restrict abortion outweighed policies to protect it, but the gap has narrowed greatly
December 2019 Policy Analysis
State Policy Trends 2019: A Wave of Abortion Bans, But Some States Are Fighting Back

Elizabeth Nash, Lizamarie Mohammed, Olivia Cappello and Sophia Naide
December 2019 Research Article
Sexual Activity, Contraceptive Use and Sexual Violence among Asian High School Students in the United States

Zohra Ansari-Thomas, Sheila Desai and Laura D. Lindberg Contraception
October 2019 Policy Analysis
Trump Administration Rules Prioritize Refusal of Care and Conservative Ideology Over Protecting Patients Against Discrimination

Adam Sonfield Guttmacher Policy Review
September 2019 Fact Sheet
Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health in the United States
June 2019 Policy Analysis
Promiscuity Propaganda: Access to Information and Services Does Not Lead to Increases in Sexual Activity

Joerg Dreweke Guttmacher Policy Review
May 2019 Policy Analysis
State and Federal Lawmakers Promote Sexual Consent, LGBTQ+ Inclusivity in Sex Education

Elizabeth Nash, Leah H. Keller and Sophia Naide
April 2019 Research Article
Sex Before Age 13 Among Males in the United States

Laura D. Lindberg, Isaac Maddow-Zimet and Arik V. Marcell Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA)
April 2019 News Release
Young Men’s Reports of Having Sex Before Age 13 Vary Widely by Their Race, Ethnicity and Geographic Area

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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.