Originally published in 1989, the recent increase in teenage pregnancies, combined with media attention focused on the subject, made this comprehensive overview of teenage pregnancy and parenting in America an especially timely work. Dr Rickel presents current research findings in the area, profiling the teen who becomes pregnant and describing a peer counselor model of intervention targeted at reducing negative outcomes of adolescent parenting.
Throughout the text, case studies and excerpts from peer counselor journals – demographically matched with pregnant/parenting teens – offer rare insights into the lives of teenage mothers. The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy in the United States is compared to that of other developed countries, and differences in social morality are discussed. Also included are thoughtful discussions on the need to prevent unplanned pregnancy, as well as evaluations of key intervention strategies. Today it can be read in its historical context.