A basic tenet of the Campaign is that reducing the nation's rate of teen pregnancy is one of the most strategic and direct means available to improve overall child well-being and, in particular, to reduce persistent child poverty.

Teen pregnancy is closely linked to a host of other critical social issues as well - welfare dependency, out-of-wedlock births, responsible fatherhood, and workforce development in particular. The National Campaign's efforts are based on the core idea that preventing teen pregnancy should be viewed not only as a reproductive health issue, but as one that works to improve all of these measures. Simply put, if more children in this country were born to parents who are ready and able to care for them, we would see a significant reduction in a host of social problems, from school failure and crime to child abuse and neglect.

Below is a sample of resources created by the National Campaign to demonstrate the effects that teen pregnancy and childbearing has on these other social issues.

By the Numbers: the Public Cost of Teen Childbearing
Teen childbearing in the United States costs taxpayers (federal, state, and local) at least $9.1 billion, according to a new report published by the National Campaign.

The "What If?" Project
What if the teen birth rate hadn't declined? What if it had stayed at the 1991 level? Check out the Campaign's 2005 state-by-state analysis.

Tips for Guarding Against Complacency
Despite recent declines in teen pregnancy and births, four out of ten girls in the United States still get pregnant by age 20. Now, more than ever, we need to guard against complacency.

Teens Tell All
What do teens think about sex, pregnancy, contraception, parents, the media, and religion? Here are quotes from teens themselves on these and related issues.

Teen Pregnancy - So What?
Statement describing the consequences of teen pregnancy for teens themselves, the children of teen parents, and for society as a whole.

Not Just Another Single Issue (PDF)
Provides general background about teen pregnancy, including why it is a major problem, some key facts and trends, and why reducing teen pregnancy rates is a good investment.

Preventing Teen Pregnancy: Why It Matters (PDF)
A two-page resource with the highlights of the national "What If?" report.