by Patricia Donovan

About the author: Patricia Donovan is a contributing editor for Family Planning Perspectives and senior associate for law and public policy at the Alan Guttmacher Institute in Washington, D.C.

Studies indicate that at least half of all babies born to minor women are fathered by adult men. In addition, there is a widespread perception that these young mothers account for the large increase in welfare caseloads over the last 25 years. As a result, a growing number of policymakers are embracing the notion that adolescent pregnancy rates can be lowered and welfare costs reduced if states more rigorously enforce statutory rape laws prohibiting sexual intercourse between adults and minors.

A New Focus on Statutory Rape

In 1996, several states have taken steps to punish men who violate these laws. Meanwhile, the new...