Like a virgin (mother): analysis of data from a longitudinal, US population representative sample survey

• Published in: BMJ (Online) Vol. 347; no. 7938; pp. 6 - 8
• Main Authors: Herring, Amy H, Attard, Samantha M, Gordon-Larsen, Penny, Joyner, William H, Halpern, Carolyn T
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: BMJ Publishing Group 21-12-2013
• Subjects: Adolescents; Chastity; Children; Contraception; Longitudinal studies; Parents; Pregnancy; Self reports; Sexual intercourse; Strange nativities; Virginity
• ISSN: 0959-8138; 1756-1833

OBJECTIVE To estimate the incidence of self report of pregnancy without sexual intercourse (virgin pregnancy) and factors related to such reporting, in a population representative group of US adolescents and young adults. DESIGN Longitudinal, population representative sample survey. SETTING Nationally representative, multiethnic National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health, U.S. PARTICIPANTS 7870 women enrolled atwave I (1995) and completing the most recent wave of data collection (wave IV; 2008-09). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self reports of pregnancy and birth without sexual intercourse. RESULTS 45 women (0.5%) reported at least one virgin pregnancy unrelated to the use of assisted reproductive technology. Although it was rare for dates of sexual initiation and pregnancy consistent with virgin pregnancy to be reported, it was more common among women who signed chastity pledges or whose parents indicated lower levels of communication with their children about sex and birth control. CONCLUSIONS Around 0.5% of women consistently affirmed their status as virgins and did not use assisted reproductive technology, yet reported virgin births. Even with numerous enhancements and safeguards to optimize reporting accuracy, researchers may still face challenges in the collection and analysis of self reported data on potentially sensitive topics.