Current demographic data document the actual incidence of pregnancy in the adolescent population. Statistical factors relating to medical risks for the pregnant teen include medical, social, and education variables. The infant of an adolescent parent is also at risk for medical complications and psychological problems. For adolescents opting to give birth, the Mayo Adolescent Parent Program model is presented as an effective intervention that can yield the optimal desired outcome of a healthy, well-adjusted mother and infant. The major strengths of this model are a peer-support network, the use of professional counselors, and ongoing medical care provided by an obstetrician and a specialist in adolescent medicine. It is unclear from the data whether existing trends in the incidence of adolescent pregnancy will increase, decrease, or remain constant. If effective sex education is provided in the schools and adolescents are legally protected by confidentiality laws, a decrease in pregnancy rates could be realized. 4 figures, 12 references.