Pediatric Collections: Adolescent Health Care: Part 2: Reproductive Health

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The teen pregnancy and birth rates have decreased in the US in the past 30 years due to factors such as the availability of more hormonal contraceptive options and delayed initiation of sexual intercourse. However, the US still has one of the highest teen pregnancy rates of industrialized countries. Moreover, disparities in teen pregnancy and birthrates still exist due mostly to social determinants of health. This all points to the increased need of pediatric providers to provide comprehensive reproductive health to all adolescents they care for. Now, more than ever, pediatric providers are counted on to provide evidence-based, comprehensive reproductive and sexual healthcare to the adolescents and young adults they care for. A pediatrician’s goal is to ensure all children grow to be the healthy, successful, and productive adults they were meant to be. Guiding them through the challenge of adolescence and providing comprehensive reproductive health care can help make that goal a reality.