Current research on adolescent fertility indicates that illegitimacy is becoming concentrated in the teenage and even preteen years. Increasing sexual activity, lack of contraceptive information and techniques, and a desired pregnancy are possible explanations. Some of the problems faced by adolescent mothers include more complicated pregnancies, higher maternal mortality, interruption of both education and socialization processes and inability to cope with stressful situations. Because early adolescent childbearing foreshadows far-reaching social consequences three options are considered: (1) education programs to increase communication between parents and children; (2) more organized sex education and contraceptive programs, and (3) more information on adoption possibilities available to pregnant adolescents. (BN)