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 2017 Research Article
Abstinence-Only-Until-Marriage: An Updated Review of U.S. Policies and Programs and Their Impact

John S. Santelli, Leslie Kantor, Stephanie A. Grilo, Ilene S. Speizer, Laura D. Lindberg, Jennifer Heitel, Amy Schalet, Maureen Lyon, Amanda J. Mason-Jones, Terry McGovern, Craig J. Heck, Jennifer Rogers and Mary A. Ott Journal of Adolescent Health
July 2017 Policy Analysis
Laws Affecting Reproductive Health and Rights: State Policy Trends at Midyear, 2017

Elizabeth Nash, Rachel Benson Gold, Lizamarie Mohammed, Olivia Cappello and Zohra Ansari-Thomas
April 2017 Policy Analysis
Laws Affecting Reproductive Health and Rights: State Policy Trends in the First Quarter of 2017

Elizabeth Nash, Rachel Benson Gold, Zohra Ansari-Thomas, Olivia Cappello and Lizamarie Mohammed
March 2017 Policy Analysis
The Looming Threat to Sex Education: A Resurgence of Federal Funding for Abstinence-Only Programs?

Megan K. Donovan Guttmacher Policy Review
January 2017 Policy Analysis
Why We Cannot Afford to Undercut the Title X National Family Planning Program

Kinsey Hasstedt Guttmacher Policy Review
September 2016 Fact Sheet
State Facts About Unintended Pregnancy
August 2016 News Release
Declines in Teen Pregnancy Risk Entirely Driven by Improved Contraceptive Use
August 2016 Research Article
Understanding the Decline in Adolescent Fertility in the United States, 2007–2012

Laura D. Lindberg, John S. Santelli and Sheila Desai Journal of Adolescent Health
August 2016 Infographic
Improved contraceptive use likely driver of teen pregnancy declines
July 2016 Policy Analysis
Laws Affecting Reproductive Health and Rights: State Trends at Midyear, 2016

Elizabeth Nash, Rachel Benson Gold, Zohra Ansari-Thomas, Olivia Cappello and Lizamarie Mohammed

Explore the Data Center

Hear from an expert

Teens shouldn’t have to rely on rumors or myths for information about sex and reproduction. Comprehensive sex education is an important tool for getting them the accurate information they need.