Several factors have been found to be positively associated with teens using birth control. Underlying many of these factors is the degree of an adolescent's cognitive development. Many teens believe that they are personally invulnerable to harm. Several conceptual and programmatic approaches to pregnancy prevention exist. Although different approaches to pregnancy prevention generate tremendous public and political debate and disagreement, there is not adequate research evidence suggesting which is the most effective.
Evidence exists that programs which are comprehensive in scope tend to be the most successful.
It is clear that no one single element can eliminate unwanted pregnancies among teens. In recent years more pregnant teens have chosen to resolve a pregnancy through abortion, while adoption has declined precipitously. By far, however, the most significant change in pregnancy resolution is the rise in births to unmarried teens. This suggests that the process of resolving an unplanned pregnancy should include significant individuals in the teen's life whenever possible. A comprehensive approach should allow the individuals to review all of the options available, including whether to proceed with the birth, whether to keep the baby, whether to marry, and if the girl remains single, how to obtain financial and social support for parenthood.