Title: Understanding adolescents. An IPPF report on young people's sexual and reproductive health needs.

POPLINE Document Number: 110142

Author(s):

Hawkins C

Source citation:

London, England, International Planned Parenthood Federation [IPPF], 1994. 33 p.

Abstract:

This International Planned Parenthood Report was published in preparation for the 1994 International Conference on Population and Development. The report examines the extent of adolescent sexual behavior, pregnancy, childbearing, and abortion as well as the incidence of sexually transmitted disease (STD) among young people. The lack of sex education is shown to be a contributing factor to these problems, and the rights of adolescents to family planning services are reiterated. The risks and consequences of unknowledgeable adolescent sexual intercourse include early childbearing, unwanted pregnancies, STDs, and sexual exploitation and abuse. Regional perspectives are given for Africa and the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, Latin American and the Caribbean, and industrialized countries. The success in reducing the incidence of unwanted pregnancies, abortion among teenagers, and STD transmission experienced by the Netherlands is described. This section is also enlivened with actual case histories from around the world. The report then turns to policy and program implications arising from adolescent sexuality issues. The provision of information, counseling, and services as well as the involvement of adolescents in programs are targeted as successful initiatives. The provision of contraception for adolescents is then covered, and charts illustrate the unmet need and current contraceptive use in sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa, Asia, Latin America and (separately) in industrialized countries. The successful and constantly evolving program developed by MEXFAM, the IPPF affiliate in Mexico, is then described. The report ends by providing a list of additional reading.

Keywords:

IPPF
Adolescents
Sex Behavior
Adolescent Pregnancy
Abortion
Sexually Transmitted Disease Prevention
Reproductive Health
Sexuality
Information
Needs
Family Planning Programs
Human Rights
Youth
International Agencies
Organizations
Age Factors
Population Characteristics
Demographic Factors
Population
Behavior
Reproductive Behavior
Fertility
Population Dynamics
Fertility Control, Postconception
Family Planning
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Reproductive Tract Infections
Infections
Diseases
Health
Personality
Psychological Factors
Economic Factors
Programs
Organization and Administration