Discusses the research on illegitimacy in the United States and welfare's role in promoting it. The author examines where analysts agree and disagree in the debate and concludes with a discussion concerning black illegitimacy rates compared with the rise in welfare payment amounts. (GLR)

Examines trends in black and white fertility since 1920, differences in family planning between the groups, and the relationship of family planning to black/white fertility differences. Finds that unplanned out of wedlock births are the most important factor affecting differences in the fertility rates between blacks and whites. (Author/GC)

Out-of-wedlock birth rates have not fallen much at all among teenagers. New analyses of existing data sets indicate that becoming an out-of-wedlock parent is a process with three stages: commencement of sexual activity; conception among the sexually active; and pregnancy outcome among those who conceive. Public policy variables such as AFDC…

This report describes trends and differentials in births and birth rates for teenagers since 1970, and examines the demographic characteristics of the mothers and the health of their newborn children. A brief introduction and a review of highlights of the findings from National Vital Statistics System data is followed by discussions in several…

The fertility rate for the 12 months ending in June 1988 was an estimated 69.7 births per 1,000 women aged 18 to 44 years. Fertility rates during the 1980s have been stable. The statistics on childbearing and birth expectations of U.S. women contained in the detailed tables of this report are based on data collected in the June 1988 supplement to…

Describes future social problems which will develop as the general birth rate decreases and illegitimate births subsequently comprise a much greater percentage of total births. (SDH)

In 1981, information on births of Hispanic parentage was available for 22 States. The completeness of reporting of Hispanic origin continued to increase, with somewhat greater improvements measured for origin of the mother than of the father. The fertility rate of the Hispanic population continued to be very high: 97.5 births per 1,000 women, aged…

This fact sheet reports the most recent information available on adolescent fertility in the United States. The following information is included: (1) the number of births to all adolescents, except those 14 years old and younger, has declined between 1980 and 1986; (2) the smaller number of births is due to a smaller number of adolescents and a…

This digest reviews trends in adolescent sexual activity and discusses conceptual and programmatic approaches to pregnancy prevention. It discusses a pregnant adolescent's choices for resolving an unplanned pregnancy (i.e. abortion, adoption, keeping the baby, and marriage), and the challenges faced by teenage parents. The final section touches on…

This computer file contains recent cross sectional data on adolescent fertility by state for 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1980-85. The following variables are included: (1) births; (2) birth rates; (3) abortions; (4) non-marital childbearing; (5) infant mortality; and (6) low birth weight. Data for both teenagers and women aged 20-24 years are…

This computer file contains recent cross sectional data on adolescent fertility in the United States for 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975 and 1980-85. The following variables are included: (1) births; (2) birth rates; (3) abortions; (4) non-marital childbearing; (5) infant mortality; and (6) low birth weight. Data for both teenagers and women aged 20-24 are…

A survey of births of Hispanic parentage in 1985 in 23 states and the District of Columbia, where approximately 92 percent of America's Hispanic population resides, yielded the following statistical information: (1) 372,814 babies were born to Hispanic mothers; (2) nearly two-thirds of the mothers were Mexican; (3) Puerto Rican, Central and South…

Analyzes implications of the birthrate for teenage mothers, and examines the limitations of key statistical indicators. Evidence suggests that the rate of childbearing among U.S. teens may be increasing after a decade of stability. To deal with this effectively, it may be necessary to enhance life options of teenagers. (SLD)

In 1985 over 60,000 adolescents ages 10-19 became pregnant in New York State. Of these, almost 26,000 gave birth and over 33,000 terminated their pregnancies. While the majority of those who became pregnant were 18- and 19-year-olds, 1,700 were aged 10 to 14. Of the total, 59 percent were white, and 39 percent were black or from another ethnic…