International Comparisons

Despite evidence that teens in the United States have been making healthier decisions in recent years, the U.S. still has teen pregnancy, birth, abortion and STD/HIV rates that exceed many other industrialized countries. For example, the teen pregnancy rate in the United States is nearly eleven times higher than in the Netherlands and nearly five times higher than the rate in France. The teen abortion rate in the U.S. is almost eight times higher than in Germany.

For several years, Advocates for Youth (www.advocatesforyouth.org) has investigated why these differences exist and what lessons Americans can learn from European approaches to teen pregnancy prevention.

Below are some comparisons between European and U.S. teen pregnancy, birth, and abortion rates.

* Source: Advocates for Youth. (2003) Adolescent sexual health in Europe and the U.S.—What's the difference? Washington, DC: Author.

There are a variety of complex explanations for these striking differences. In particular, it seems that adults and policymakers in these countries provide a level of respect to teenagers not seen in the United States, resulting in increased openness about sexuality and sexual decision-making. As a result, many European teens have easy access to sexual health information and services to help them make healthy decisions.

For more information on international comparisons, go to: :

Advocates for Youth

Alan Guttmacher Institute

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Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy
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