Adolescent Pregnancy

Although it may seem counterintuitive, nearly two decades of population research have documented that lesbian, gay, and bisexual adolescents have a higher risk for pregnancy involvement (either becoming pregnant or causing a pregnancy) than their heterosexual peers. This entry describes the extent of the risk for adolescent pregnancy among LGBTQ youth, outlines the various hypotheses about why they might be at higher risk, and describes some of the evidence that supports these possible reasons for higher rates of pregnancy among LGBTQ adolescents.

A growing number of population-based adolescent health surveys administered in schools include a question assessing sexual orientation. Such surveys also often ask about sexual health issues, including whether an adolescent has ever had sexual intercourse, number of sexual partners they have had, whether contraception ...