The Nation

Teen-age childbearing cost the nation more than $16 billion last year, and the 385,000 children who were the firstborn of adolescents in 1985 will receive $6 billion in welfare benefits over the next 20 years, said a study released in Washington. A typical baby born to a teen-ager last year will receive $15,620 in welfare payments and other government support by the time the child reaches age 20, according to the study released by the privately financed Center for Population Options.