This paper examines fertility patterns of women in two different types of marital unions (monogamous and polygynous) in 16 sample villages of eastern Nigeria. Results show polygyny tends to reduce fertility through the intermediary of a comparatively wider age differential between the polygynists and their wives. (Author)

Reviews the current status of abortion laws pertaining to adolescents worldwide, examining questions raised by parental consent laws in the United States and by the relevant psychological research (risk of harm from abortion, informed consent, consequences of parental involvement in the abortion decision, and current debate). Discusses issues…

Describes how, at Ithaca College, three faculty pregnancies tested a department's ability to cope. (EV)

Assesses the current sexual health status of Canadian youth in relation to sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy rates, and sexual practices, discussing the social and historical context of adolescence and adolescent sexuality in Canada. The paper draws insights from international comparisons of adolescent sexual health indicators and discusses…

Interviewed 5 14-year-old Black pregnant or recently delivered girls. Found 4 key and several supporting factors that influenced girls' decisions to begin sexual activity and to maintain their pregnancy: attempt to establish a relationship based on trust, belief in invulnerability to become pregnant, family structure, and beliefs about…

Grouped pregnant teens in a social services agency according to those who: (1) followed through with a parenting plan; (2) followed through with an adoption plan; and (3) switched from an adoption to a parenting plan. Teens who switched (one-third of the population) were identified as high-risk in terms of health histories and psychosocial…

Examines the influence of hormonal factors during pregnancy on maternal responsiveness in infrahuman animals and human beings. Argues that it is likely that maternal behavior in humans has a physiological basis. (PCB)

Examined pregnant adolescents' choice of adoption. Found that adolescents with mothers who favored adoption and those who had few parenting peer models were more likely to choose adoption. Age, knowledge of peers who had chosen adoption, grades in schools, involvement in comprehensive adolescent pregnancy program, and participation in individual…

Multiple regression analyses on data from 421 children indicated that mother's use of more than 1.5 ounces (approximately three drinks) of alcohol per day during pregnancy was significantly related to average IQ decrement at four years of age of almost five IQ points even after adjustment for numerous variables. Readers cautioned against using…

Examines the issues involved in the original public policy solutions directed toward the problem of adolescent pregnancy. Suggests that public policy and legislation have been too narrowly focused on the individual rather than society, especially the effects of poverty. Recommends policy alternatives. (JOW)

The reproductive and sexual histories of 200 sexually active females, ages 13 through 18, were assessed. Forty adolescents reported sexual abuse, and compared to nonabused peers, they were more often trying to conceive, had boyfriends pressuring them to conceive, and had fears about infertility. No intergroup differences were found in median age…

Administered Dean Romanticism Scale and Bachman Self-Esteem Scale to 121 pregnant adolescents (ages 12-21). Found that two variables were significantly related to feelings of romanticism: adoption considerations and whether adolescent planned to have child with the baby's father. Two variables were significantly related to self-esteem: incidence…

Discusses intervention programs for pregnant teens. Examines the pregnancy's effects on the adolescent, her child, and her mother. Suggests that programs should consider: (1) the interaction of children's and mothers' lives; (2) the coordination of services for both mothers and children; (3) the three generations involved; and (4) the lack of need…

Explored relationship between family variables and adolescents' sexual behavior among 224 Latino and 160 Anglo adolescents. Sexual behavior regressed on family variables explained 30% of variance in sexual behavior. Results suggest that conservative maternal attitudes about sex and presence of dating rules that are followed or enforced delay…

Reviews current rates of adolescent pregnancy and associated costs. Contends better empirical and theoretical bases for intervention programs are needed in the future. Claims much could be gained from high quality evaluations of the many current intervention programs, although the political climate often influences program development. Previews…