Approximately 12 million (48%) of our nation's adolescents are sexually active. One-fifth of 15-year-old girls and one-third of 15-year-old boys have already experienced intercourse. Adolescents' motives to be sexually active and to use contraceptives is explored from the sociological, developmental, and motivational perspectives. Societal norms for maidenhood and public policy regarding minors are examined for their proscriptions relative to premarital sexual activity. Empirical findings on factors associated with contracepting are discussed. Factors influencing nursing interventions and nursing's role in adolescent health care are also explored. Emphasis is placed on the need for nurses to facilitate communication between adolescents and their parents as well as to assist adolescents in making responsible decisions, thereby minimizing the consequences to sexual risk taking.