Abstract : This study analyzed the most recent Demographic and Health Survey data available for 43 developing countries (20 in sub-Saharan Africa, 10 in Latin America, 5 in North Africa and the Near East, and 8 in Asia) to document current levels and recent trends in the rate of adolescent childbearing, the timing of first births, and births to unmarried women. The study also considered 1) socioeconomic differentials arising from urban or rural residence and educational attainment, 2) whether births to adolescents are planned, and 3) the consequences of unsafe abortion. In some developing countries, adolescent childbearing is increasing while in others it is decreasing, and more countries are recognizing the problems associated with adolescent childbearing. The analysis revealed that some sub-Saharan countries are experiencing a reduction in the rate of adolescent childbearing, but the proportion of adolescent births will continue to increase unless unmarried couples adopt contraception. Unexpected small decreases and increases in adolescent childbearing occurred in Latin America. The largest and most uniform declines in early childbearing occurred in North Africa and Asia along with increases in the age at first marriage. Increasing opportunities for girls to achieve secondary education and postpone marriage lengthen the period when women risk unmarried pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases. Available evidence points to the need to address unplanned pregnancy and abortion among adolescents.
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