The United States’ teen pregnancy rate is over five times that of the Netherlands, over four times that of Germany, and over three times that of France. The percentage of the United States’ adolescent and adult population that has been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS is six times greater than in Germany, three times greater than in the Netherlands, and one and a half times greater than in France. Meanwhile, young people in the United States are significantly less likely to use contraception than youth in these European nations.

While no single strategy accounts for the successful health outcomes in Europe, contributing factors include:

• A pragmatic approach to adolescent sexual health where science, not religious ideology, dictates public health policies and programs, and education is valued, not feared;
• The effective use of mass media public education campaigns;
• A public acceptance of adolescent sexual development as normal and healthy; and
• A societal investment in youth as valued members of the community.

Learn more about European approaches to adolescent reproductive and sexual health in this section. Visit the 3Rs and European Study Tour sections to learn how lessons from Europe have shaped Advocates’ core philosophy.

The Facts

• Adolescent Sexual Health in Europe and the US: The Case For A Rights. Respect. Responsibility.® Approach

• Paper presented to the Child Welfare League of America (pdf), Florence Crittenton Roundtable 2000, San Francisco, CA, August 2000. European approaches to adolescent sexual behavior and responsibility.
• European Approaches to Adolescent Sexual Behavior & Responsibility (pdf)
  • Executive Summary & Call to Action
• Video: Teens & Sex in Europe: A Story of Rights, Respect & Responsibility