Abstract
Adolescent pregnancy is discussed, presenting the limitations of the medical model. A shift in the conceptualization of health and illness is proposed. Accordingly, adolescent pregnancy is not to be considered a disease, but instead attention needs to be focused on the behavior producing premature pregnancy. The “cure” of adolescent pregnancy, through abortion or delivery, needs to give way to the care for the pregnant adolescent by helping her acquire coping skills. Adolescent pregnancy is not solely a concern of the medical profession but of society as a whole.