Because of the importance of nutrition during teenage pregnancies, the Illinois State Council on Nutrition held public hearings in Chicago and in Carbondale, areas having a high incidence of infant mortality. Several issues were identified: (1) effects on nutrition of low income, poor nutrition habits, and lack of understanding of the increased needs during pregnancy and of the relations between good nutrition and fewer complications during pregnancy and a healthy infant; (2) adolescents' lack of knowledge of nutrition and how it affects the course of pregnancy and the unborn baby; (3) accessibility to the school lunch program and its inadequate supply of food for pregnant students; (4) lack of available programs or lack of knowledge of where to find programs; (5) updating of nutrition knowledge for those involved in the education of adolescents and those working with them during pregnancy; and (6) the need for a course on parenting, responsibility education, human sexuality, and self-image. Testimony of witneses at the hearing is reported on each of these issues. Behavior patterns of teens identified in the testimony are outlined, and pertinent statistics regarding the extent and problems of teenage pregnancy in Illinois are noted. (JD)