Washington, D.C.: PAHO © 2008
Adolescent sexual and reproductive health (ASRH) continues to be a pressing issue in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), with HIV/AIDS, unsafe abortions, complications during pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium contributing to some of the main causes of mortality and morbidity for young people in the Region.

Unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STI) and lack of access to contraception continues to have a negative impact on their wellbeing. The development of young peoples’ health is often worsened by the fact that ASRH is seldom a political or financial priority for politicians and governments. A combination of lack of equal access to quality health services, insufficient sexual education programs and health services that are not convenient for youth to use continue the cycle of poor sexual and reproductive health for most at-risk populations.

Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health: Opportunities, Approaches and Choices