State Policy Initiatives for Reducing Teen and Adult Nonmarital Childbearing: Family Planning to Family Caps. New Federalism: Issues and Options for States. An Urban Institute Program To Assess Changing Social Policies, Series A, No. A-43.

This paper presents data from a survey of all 50 states that examined specific programs and policies being pursued at the state level to discourage teenage and nonmarital childbearing. Overall, the teen childbearing rate has continued to fall, and in 1999 it was the lowest on record. Some research points to a relationship between welfare policies and teen childbearing, though many other factors also changed during this period, and all may have affected teen childbearing (especially the robust economy). There has been a substantial increase in pregnancy prevention education activities in the public schools. While states vary widely in their policies and programs, there is strong evidence of an increase in both governmental (state and local) and private action to discourage teen childbearing. However, fewer state governments appear to be proceeding aggressively with respect to nonmarital childbearing by adults. Increased access to contraception, paternity establishment, and child support enforcement were the only programs pursued by most states. Some research points to an association between welfare policies and nonmarital childbearing and marital stability by adults. However, while the nonmarital childbearing rate has leveled off, it remains at a near-record high level. (Contains 16 references.) (SM)