Never-Pregnant African American Adolescent Girls' Perceptions of Adolescent Pregnancy 12

•We explored never-pregnant African American girls' opinions about teen pregnancy.•Observations of pregnant teens shaped participants' views about teen pregnancy.•Participants perceived negative consequences associated with teen pregnancy.•Academics and sports outweighed any desires to engage in sex or become pregnant.•Parents did not encourage adolescents to become pregnant.

Despite the decrease in adolescent pregnancy rates, rates among African American girls remain higher than other racial/ethnic adolescent groups. This descriptive qualitative study explored never-pregnant African American adolescent girls' perceptions about adolescent pregnancy. Sixty-four participants participated in individual interviews and focus groups. Individual interviews examined beliefs about adolescent pregnancy and perceptions of life changes resulting from becoming pregnant during adolescence. Focus groups were held to validate findings from the interviews. Participants agreed that becoming pregnant during adolescence would negatively impact their education, family, and peers. Participants anticipated feelings of shame and embarrassment in the event that they became pregnant.