Hey Beth,
My fifteen-year-old girlfriend is two months pregnant. I want to know if since she's only fifteen can her parents legally force her to have an abortion? Or is it her choice?
Michael,
It is illegal in the U.S. to force anyone to have an abortion, regardless of their age (a minor) or place of residence (her parents' home).If your girlfriend is feeling pressured into an abortion by her parents, I recommend you have her call OptionLine immediately, at 1-800-712-4357(HELP) or visit www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put her in touch with her nearest pregnancy help center and an experienced consultant to discuss her situation. Her consultant can offer to speak with her parents if she and they are willing, to tell them about all the resources that exist right in their own neighborhood, including help to continue schooling, planning for college, low-cost or free medical help for her and her baby, both during pregnancy and afterward, financial assistance, and much more. Most parents are in shock at the news that their daughter faces an unintended pregnancy, and say things they later wish they hadn't. When they've had a chance to calm down, the majority of parents are very supportive of their daughter and want to help her and her baby in any way they can. OptionLine is free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help - give them a call! Feel free to email me again, I'm here for you!
-Beth Dear Beth,
How long do you have to wait after having unprotected sex to take a test?
Jessa,The most accurate time to test for pregnancy is when your period is at least 7 days past due. Testing earlier may result in a false negative, as the level of hCG (Human Chorionic Gonadotropin - pregnancy hormone) is not high enough to be detected, although you may indeed be pregnant. If you'd like a free pregnancy test, you can contact OptionLine at 1-800-712-4357(HELP) or visit www.optionline.org (IM available). They'll put you in touch with your local pregnancy help center, and an experienced consultant can give you a free, confidential and accurate pregnancy test, and refer you to a doctor if you need one to confirm the results. Give OptionLine a call – they’re free, 24/7 and ready to listen and help.
- Beth |
 Beth,I am 4 weeks pregnant and I already have two girls, a 13 year old and 4 year old. I am so confused on what to do. My boyfriend doesn’t want me have the baby. I have raised both my girls on my own. I’m not sure what to do. I’m worried if I keep it about babysitting costs. But I don’t make enough money. I’m also worried about my youngest being jealous - that would hurt me so much... I just don’t know...
Dear Elayna,I know that you find yourself in a difficult situation, but grab hold of the strength and the faith that you have. You can make it through this, Elayna! You sound like a strong woman and I have no doubt that you truly are! I'm sure you are also a great mother to your two girls. I bet they are beautiful. Do not let your boyfriend pressure you into something that you do not want to do. Abortion is harmful to YOU. As a woman, abortion can have serious physical and psychological damage on your health and body. Not only the baby, your body! Don’t let your boyfriend put your health at risk for this damaging procedure. You deserve more than abortion, Elayna. Much more.
Please call OptionLine, 1-800-712-HELP, and a consultant will put you in touch with resources in your area. People want to help you, Elayna, you will make it through this! Thinking of you, Beth |
Knowledge Is Empowering
