Teenagers,contraception, and pregnancy

The Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania started a family planning counseling program for teenage nulliparae in a nearby public high school in 1973-1974. Educational, informal counseling, and discussion sessions were held in the school on a weekly basis by a social worker, family planning nurse, family planning counselor, and male outreach worker. Following the classes, almost half the girls attended the hospital's Teen Clinic for physical examination and contraceptive supplies. Parental permission was not necessary for attendance at the classes or at the hospital clinic. A second program was started at another school in the year 1974-1975. The goal of the program was to offer family planning information in the early teen years and prevent unwanted pregnancy.