Kristin A. Moore

In the following viewpoint, Kristin A. Moore contends that abolishing the welfare system will do nothing to prevent teenage pregnancy. In fact, the author claims, as welfare benefits have been scaled back, teenage pregnancy has increased—a statistic that defies the notion that welfare encourages teen pregnancies. Moore is executive director of Child Trends, Inc., a research organization dedicated to studying children, youth, and families.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Moore, what four factors promote teenage pregnancy"

2. What does the author cite as two consequences of cutting welfare to teenage mothers"

3. In the author’s opinion, how should long-term welfare dependency of teenage mothers be discouraged"

Among the most controversial [issues in the United States] is the question of what role welfare plays in encouraging teenage pregnancy...