Strategies: What Works to Accomplish the Results We Want?

Effective prevention programs are those that lead to positive behavioral change, like delaying sexual activity and/or increasing correct and consistent use of contraception.  But p revention programs alone cannot be expected to impact outcomes on a broad scale. Success depends on a combination of programs and the broader efforts of parents, families, faith communities, and the media to influence social norms, values, and popular culture.

What Can Policymakers Do?

• Raise awareness and build public will for addressing both teen and unplanned pregnancy. Policymakers, critical stakeholders, and the public should be aware of the consequences, contributing factors, and effective approaches to reducing teen and unintended pregnancy. This includes understanding how the needs and circumstances of teens and young adults differ, and the resulting implications for policy.

• Support a broad teen pregnancy prevention approach. An effective response includes efforts to inform and empower parents of teens and other adults, investments in proven interventions, and focused attention on vulnerable subgroups of teens, such as those in foster care.

• Reduce unplanned pregnancies among unmarried young adults.  More than one third of unplanned pregnancies are to unmarried women in their twenties. Young adults can benefit from policies that promote access to accurate information, career and relationship guidance, and affordable contraception and family planning services.