This is most likely due to a lack of sex education and a failure to use contraception, since levels of sexual activity among teens from other countries are roughly the same. Early sex and lack of adequate contraception are both associated with lower levels of education. Teens are less likely than older women to receive prenatal care in the first trimester, and are more apt to have no care at all. Teenagers are at high risk for being uninsured compared to adults, making them less apt to receive prenatal care. Because teen mothers are less apt to finish high school, they may live in poverty and be on welfare long after the birth of their child.
Abstinence is the fool-proof solution to teen pregnancy.
Goldfarb, A. Adolescent Sexuality. Fine, J. Adolescent Pregnancy Prevention in Managed Care. Adolescent Pregnancy - Another Look. Delay in obstetrical care in newly diagnosed teenage pregnancy. Ethnic differences in childhood and adolescent sexual abuse and teenage pregnancy.