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Addressing Teen Pregnancy: A Policy Analysis

Anahi Valles

University of Texas at El Paso

The Public Policy Process (POLS-3351)

William Corbett

September 8, 2024
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Addressing Teen Pregnancy: A Policy Analysis

Step 1: Define the Problem

Teen pregnancy continues to be a critical public health and social issue, both in the

United States and globally. Despite the decline in teen birth rates over the past decades, teen

pregnancy rates in the U.S. are still higher than in many other developed nations. Teen

pregnancies can lead to significant educational, economic, and health challenges for both the

mother and child. Young mothers are often less likely to complete their education, which in

turn affects their long-term earning potential. Additionally, children of teen parents are at

greater risk of health and developmental issues. Therefore, addressing the root causes of teen

pregnancy is essential for breaking cycles of poverty and improving public health outcomes.

Step 2: Assemble Some Evidence

A comprehensive approach to addressing teen pregnancy requires the collection of

data from a variety of sources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

(CDC), although teen birth rates have dropped in recent years, disparities still exist across

racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic groups. Studies have shown that teens in low-income

communities and minority populations are disproportionately affected by teen pregnancies.

Research from the Guttmacher Institute highlights that comprehensive sex education and

increased access to contraception, particularly long-acting reversible contraceptives

(LARCs), are among the most effective strategies for preventing teen pregnancies. The

Government Accountability Office (GAO) provides detailed reports on the effectiveness of

various prevention programs, including both abstinence-only and comprehensive sex

education programs. Studies have shown that comprehensive programs, which include

information about contraception and sexual health, are more effective in reducing teen

pregnancy rates than abstinence-only education. This evidence emphasizes the need for
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policies that provide teens with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions

about their sexual health.

Step 3: Construct the Alternatives

Several policy alternatives can be considered to address the issue of teen pregnancy:

1. Expand Access to Comprehensive Sex Education: Evidence supports that teens

who receive comprehensive sex education are less likely to experience unintended

pregnancies. A national policy mandating sex education in schools that includes

contraception, healthy relationships, and consent can be an effective measure to reduce teen

pregnancy rates.

2. Increase Access to Contraception: Increasing access to contraception, particularly

LARCs, has been shown to be highly effective in reducing teen pregnancies. This policy

could include the expansion of school-based health clinics and community partnerships that

provide free or low-cost contraceptives to teens.

3. Targeted Interventions for At-Risk Groups: Teen pregnancy rates are

disproportionately higher in low-income and minority communities. A targeted policy could

focus on culturally relevant education programs and outreach initiatives designed specifically

for these populations.

4. Support Services for Teen Parents: For teens who are already pregnant or

parenting, providing support services such as childcare, job training, and healthcare can

improve outcomes. These programs can help teen parents complete their education and

secure employment, thus reducing long-term economic hardship.

Step 4: Choose Evaluative Criteria

To evaluate these policy alternatives, we must consider several criteria:

1. Effectiveness: How well does the policy reduce teen pregnancy rates across all

demographics?
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2. Equity: Does the policy address the needs of high-risk populations, such as teens in

low-income communities or minority groups?

3. Cost: What are the costs associated with implementing and maintaining the policy?

Will it be cost-effective in the long run by reducing welfare and healthcare expenses?

4. Political Feasibility: Will the policy gain support from stakeholders, including

policymakers, educators, and the general public?

Step 5: Project the Outcomes

Each of the proposed alternatives has potential outcomes:

- Comprehensive sex education is likely to lead to lower teen pregnancy rates by

equipping teens with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. However,

political resistance may arise in regions that favor abstinence-only programs.

- Increasing access to contraception, particularly LARCs, could have a significant and

immediate impact on reducing pregnancy rates, as shown in studies by the Guttmacher

Institute. However, this initiative may require substantial funding and could face opposition

from conservative groups.

- Targeted interventions may help to reduce the disparities in teen pregnancy rates, but

they will require more resources to design and implement culturally relevant programs.

- Support services for teen parents could improve educational and employment

outcomes for teen parents, which in turn would reduce their reliance on welfare programs and

improve the well-being of their children.

Step 6: Assess the Alternatives

Weighing the pros and cons of each alternative is essential. Expanding access to sex

education and contraception is likely to yield the best results in terms of overall effectiveness.

However, these measures may face political opposition. Targeted interventions and support
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services for teen parents are resource-intensive but provide the equity needed to address the

unique challenges faced by high-risk populations.

Step 7: Draw Conclusions

Based on the evidence, the best policy option would be a combination of expanding

access to comprehensive sex education and increasing access to contraception. These policies

have the strongest evidence base in terms of effectiveness and cost-efficiency. Additionally,

targeted interventions should be incorporated to address the specific needs of at-risk groups.

Lastly, providing support services for teen parents will ensure that those who do become

pregnant can still achieve educational and economic success.

References

Government Accountability Office. (2020). Teen pregnancy prevention: Federal efforts and

effectiveness. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov

Guttmacher Institute. (2021). U.S. teenage pregnancies, births, and abortions. Retrieved from

https://www.guttmacher.org

Kraft, M., & Furlong, S. (2020). Public policy: Politics, analysis, and alternatives (8th ed.).

Sage Publications.

Stanger-Hall, K. F., & Hall, D. W. (2011). Abstinence-only education and teen pregnancy

rates: Why we need comprehensive sex education in the U.S. PLOS ONE, 6(10),

e24658. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0024658