This report analyzes trends in childbearing among Kentucky's adolescents from 1970 through 1977 and reviews childbearing patterns in Kentucky and in the United States for adolescents aged 10-14 and 15-19 to identify several factors associated with adolescent pregnancy. The fact that adolescent women are reaching biological maturity at an earlier age is cited as one factor that explains the increased numbers of teenage pregnancies. Other causes of adolescent pregnancy are delineated, including increased and earlier initiation of sexual activity, the nonuse or ineffective use of contraceptives, and planned pregnancies. Several consequences of teenage pregnancy are explored, and trends in abortion, adoption, and marriage are examined. The social, economic, biological and emotional consequences of adolescent childbearing are discussed along with the health risks to mother and baby. Strategies for intervention are presented that emphasize the adolescent's need for accurate information about sex and birth control, as well as the availability of health and family planning services. Although geographically specific, this report reflects an issue of great importance in the United States today. (NRB)