RESUMO
PIP: A complete analysis of the problem and extent of adolescent pregnancy must be based on data, but relevant statistics are scarce in Venezuela. There are about 5000 births annually to mothers aged 11-15, 65,000 to those aged 16-18, and 100,000 to women under 20 each year in Venezuela. But these figures refer only to pregnancy terminating in birth. An unknown number of pregnancies are never reported and their outcomes are not known. New strategies to combat adolescent pregnancy must take into account such variables as the age at initiation of sexual activity, which is apparently about 16 in Venezuela. The problem of adolescent pregnancy is aggravated by the failure to promote contraception among adolescents. An erroneous association has been established between promiscuity and contraception, and between contraception and family planning. Most adolescents who visit Family Planning Association of Venezuela facilities are sexually active or have children already. No true preventive or educational programs exist. A well designed program for adolescents should provide services including counseling and emotional support for pregnant adolescents, programs to help adolescent males control their sexuality, and programs to inform parents and educators about the potential contributions of sex education.^ieng