Although reported condom use at first intercourse by males aged 15-19 increased substantially from 55 percent in 1988 to 69 percent in 1995, many young men still do not use contraceptives consistently, placing them at risk of creating a pregnancy (Sonenstein, Ku, et a!., 1997). Risk of Causing an Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy
With the average age of first marriage for males at 26 years, many young men typically have long periods of sexual activity before marriage. The average gap between first intercourse and marriage for young men is ten years, a period during which many males are at risk of making a girl or young woman pregnant. This gap is especially wide for African-American males (about 19 years) and somewhat narrower for Hispanics, who are more likely to marry in their teen years (National Campaign, 1997). Responsible Attitudes
While many young men often engage in behaviors that put them at risk of making teen girls pregnant, most hold responsible attitudes about pregnancy prevention and parenting, according to the National Survey of Adolescent Men. More than 90 percent agreed that one should not have sex without contraception, that sexual partners should discuss contraception, and that males should be responsible for children that they bring into the world (Sonenstein, Stewart, et aI., in press). |
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