Alarm sounded on teen sex // Action urged as pregnancies soar

WASHINGTON The National Research Council, citing more than amillion teenage pregnancies a year in the United States, yesterdayrecommended increased access to contraceptives and cited abortion asa legal option.

In its report, the panel of 15 physicians, social scientists andpublic health experts urged governments and schools to give pregnancyprevention among teens the "highest priority."

"Making contraceptive methods available and accessible to thosewho are sexually active and encouraging them to diligently use thesemethods is the surest strategy for pregnancy prevention," the coundilsaid.

The panel said it found no convincing evidence that …