Adolescent pregnancy: standards and services in Finland.

Finland's adolescent pregnancy rate is lower than that of many comparable nations. The author examines Finnish standards and services on adolescent pregnancy, and results of a survey of adolescent sexual behaviors and attitudes.

PIP: Finland's adolescent pregnancy rate is lower than that of many comparable nations. Finnish standards and services on adolescent pregnancy and results of a survey of adolescent sexual behaviors and attitudes are examined and compared to similar Standards for Services of Pregnant Adolescents and Young Parents by the Child Welfare League of America. Services for pregnant adolescents, young parents and children in Finland are part of the general services provided for families and children. Standard setting is principally by legislation of Parliament and complemented by presidential decrees approved by the Council of State. National Boards contribute to this process. Since the Major amendments to the Act of the Termination of Pregnancy in 1970, incidence of adolescent pregnancies has fallen by 18-29% in the age groups 15-19, and terminations by 4 to 16%. This trend is attributed to improved sex education and liberalization of attitudes towards contraceptive use. Surveys of teenagers in 5th grade (11-12 years) and in the 1st year of high school (16-17 years) covering approximately 2600 adolescents reveals this group thinks sex is important; it is more important to boys than girls. 1/2 of 13-year olds believe at last one of their friends has been petting and l/5 that a friend has had intercourse; for 15 year olds, the respective figures are 1/2 and 1/3. 60% of 17 year olds thought a friend has done both. Kissing behavior typically starts at age 13; but caressing or petting usually starts between age 15-16. Masturbation is little discussed but is an important and necessary part of maturation. Over 1/2 of the respondents felt sexual intercourse and love belong together but many felt intercourse without love was acceptable. 20% of the boys age 13-15 had dated and 30% in age 17; for boys the percents were 17,30 and 40. At age 13, 8% of boys and 3% of girls had had intercourse, rising to 18% and 23% at age 15 and to 46% and 49% by age 17. About 1/5 of 15 year olds and 1/2 of 17 year olds are sexually active, however, the survey repeated their knowledge about prevention of pregnancy is inadequate. Pregnancy risk factors include coming from large families, conflict in the family, divorce, alcoholism, economic difficulties, permanent sickness of parents or siblings, and general helplessness. Services include health care at schools, pregnancy resolution counseling, abortion, adoption, establishment of paternity, maternity clinics, hospitalization and postpartum care.