Public policy and adolescent sexual behavior in the United States.

Abstract In the past decade, significant policy and legal changes have occurred that affect sexually active minors, pregnant adolescents, and adolescents who have become parents. This paper examines U.S. governmental policies and laws relating to (1) the development and dissemination of sex‐related health services and information for male and female adolescents and (2) the formal teaching of sex education in the public schools. It is maintained that despite the progress that has been made during the 1970's, a need for sex‐related services and information to the adolescent population still remains. Much remains to be done to formulate more relevant, effective policies and programs for adolescent males and females.