HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS

                  HB 1944

Brief Description:  Requiring a study of teen mothers and adult fathers.

Background:

In 1995, about five percent of 15 to 17 year old girls in Washington state became pregnant.  A 1992 study of 535 teen mothers revealed that the first pregnancies of 62 percent of the participants were preceded by experiences of molestation, rape, or attempted rape. The mean age of their offenders was 27.4 years ("Sexual Abuse as a Factor in Adolescent Pregnancy and Child Maltreatment," 24(1) Family Planning Perspectives 4, Jan./Feb. 1992).

Summary:

Appropriates $240,000 from the General Fund-State to the Department of Health for a study of teen mothers and adult fathers.  The research contractor is directed to gather information on demographic characteristics of the fathers, child support paid by the fathers, and incidence of statutory rape charges filed.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.