Taking it lying down : sexuality and teenage motherhood / Frances Hudson and Bernard Ineichen.

"How is it that today, when contraception is in theory freely available, and AIDS is a reality, many young people still fail--or choose not--to use any form of birth control?" "Why is it that some accidental, unplanned adolescent pregnancies lead to motherhood? Are young teenagers able to understand what their future holds as parents with few adult skills and competences?" "In this book the authors look at the behaviour of young people in Britain and America, and discuss their attitudes to sex and sexual relationships." "The authors then look at the consequences of early pregnancy and motherhood by taking motherhood stage by stage following the birth, discussing the implications for children, the parents and the wider community." "Drawing on first-hand experience and sociological research, the authors present a vivid picture of the sorts of life-styles and attitudes many young mothers (and some fathers) have; they also present a review of recent and current literature on the subject of teenage sexuality, pregnancy and its consequences." "This is a subject of which many are unaware. Since it is of concern to governments and welfare systems--for policy-making and provision of services--the authors discuss some of the existing services both for pregnancy prevention and for young parents' support, and suggest ways of improving both."--From jacket.