Adolescent Pregnancy and Childbearing in Relation to Infant Adoption in the United States

Abstract

Approximately 80% of teen pregnancies in the United States are unintended at conception and about 75% of teen births are nonmarital. Given their unintended pregnancy and nonmarital parenting situations, a large proportion of adolescent parents might be expected to place infants for adoption. This paper summarizes trends and recent declines in adolescent pregnancy, abortion, and adoption relin-quishment. Research findings regarding adolescent pregnancy resolution decision-making also are reviewed. Contextual factors are discussed, such as personal attitudes and socialization about abortion, parenting, and adoption, and the influence of significant others (parents and partners), that increase or decrease the likelihood of teen parents choosing adoption. Historical trends and contemporary patterns indicate that the relinquishment of infants for adoption probably will remain at very low levels in the near future.

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