Pregnancy Prevention

In recent years researchers have been evaluating teen pregnancy prevention programs to determine which approaches are most effective, often called "science-based," "research-based," or "evidence-based." This section outlines areas of research that are increasingly shaping programs and services developed for teens.

In 2001, Emerging Answers: Research Findings on Programs to Reduce Teen Pregnancy, a comprehensive review of at least 250 studies by Doug Kirby, was released. This report sheds light on what works in teen pregnancy prevention by identifying specific risk & protective factors that lead to early pregnancy and rigorously researched programs.

The report highlights effective and ineffective programs categorized by program type: abstinence-only education programs for teens, including contraceptive and family planning services, early childhood programs, youth development programs, and service learning programs.

The research indicates that several programs that focus on sex, as well as programs that do not address sex at all, impact the onset of sex, contraceptive use, or preventing pregnancy among adolescents. For a summary of Emerging Answers see http://www.teenpregnancy.org.

Learn how you can advocate (Advocacy and Activism/Pregnancy Prevention) for quality pregnancy prevention programs in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts Alliance on Teen Pregnancy
105 Chauncy Street, 8th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
617.482.9122 Main, 617.482.9129 Fax