This data set is a compilation of secondary, aggregate-level data. The intent of the original investigators was to compile in one place the most recent statistics on adolescent fertility in the United States. The national data file provides statistics for the entire nation over time, specifically, the years 1960 to 1988. The state data file provides statistics by state, including the 50 states, Washington, DC, and a "total U.S." category, spanning the years 1970 to 1987.

Variables in this data set include such topics as age, race, and year; number of births; number of first births to teen mothers; number of out-of-wedlock births; number of abortions; birth rates, pregnancies, and abortions per 1,000 women; low birth weight incidence; percent of women unmarried; total number of first births; infant mortality rates; late or lack of prenatal care; and number and percent of teen mothers on AFDC.