Teenage pregnancy and parenthood in Illinois: Estimated 1979–1983 costs

Abstract

This study presents an estimation of the 1979–1983 public and private costs of teenage pregnancy and teenage parenthood in the State of Illinois. Data from public records, national and local surveys, and knowledgeable professionals were obtained to delineate 68 key events associated with teenage sexuality, teenage births, newborn care, children's medical care, support to families headed by teenagers, and the cost of these events. Estimates of the total cost of services consumed were apportioned according to corporate, state, federal, municipal, and private individuals as sources of revenue. As of 1983, Illinois businesses and citizens paid $848 million for services rendered to the five-year cohort of 94,000 teenage mothers and their 137,483 children. This sum divides between $152 million annually for business and $696 annually for individuals. Each Illinois household paid an average of $84 out of pocket, $81 dollars in higher state and federal taxes, and $37 dollars in higher prices due to business pass-through, for a total of $202 per year per household.