Answer:
Although this question is geared more towards the U.S in terms of statistics, I will give you the answers based on research in my own home country, Colombia.
1. Colombia is unfortunately an underdeveloped country, where poverty, lack of education, lack of job opportunities, and social unrest and discrimination play a major role. Also, there is still a clear view of women as reproducers, and the ones who are to bear children. As such, we have faced an enormous problem of teen pregnancy, which, fortunately, has been appropriately managed and cared for by our Ministry of Health. These mentioned above, as well as the cultural belief that women are only good for the home, and for childbearing, are all factors that have contributed to the really high incidence of teen pregnancy all over the country, but most importantly, in rural areas.
2. As said, fortunately, in the last 20 years Colombian governments have focused a great deal on this particular situation and on infant mortality, and therefore, policies have been issued that have had a major impact on both statistics. In regards to teen pregnancy, such policies have been: availability and gratuity of healthcare services for women from the lowest social strata, healthcare coverage by the government and by employers if they have work, social programs geared towards education of women, feminist movements that have focused on not just education, but also the defense and protection of teenage girls, availability of birth control and medical attention in free clinics and hospitals, re-education of men on certain social and cultural beliefs, stronger punishment for men who cause teenage pregnancy, programs of medical, psychological, economic and social care for girls already pregnant, among many others.
3. Athough a lot of these policies have had a visible effect on Colombian rates of teenage pregnancy, especially birth control and education, the levels are still maintained high. The reason is that in this country the problem stems from cultural views, a still overpowering poverty and, despite all efforts to the contrary, the belief by women that birth control is enough to prevent pregnancy.
