If you have decided on abortion you will need to verify the laws in your area and seek professional help. You should tell family and the father what you plan to do, although this is not always necessary or possible. For more information please see the Teen Advice Abortion Information Page.
I want to put the baby up for adoption, what do I need to do next?
If you have decided on adoption you will need legal advice. You should also consider getting emotional support from family and friends. The father should be notified, as his consent is likely needed in order to put a child up for adoption. You can choose an agency adoption or a private arrangement. Adoptions can be very open or very private; that is up to you. You can choose the family or set stipulations on the sort of family you want raising your child (for example, religious background). For more detailed information about adoption options please see the Teen Advice Adoption Information Page.
I want to keep the baby, what should I expect?
No matter how old you are, parenting is a challenging job. Be prepared to make sacrifices and to put the needs of your child ahead of your own. Be prepared to stop being a kid as you will now be responsible for raising one. It is best if you have support from your family and the father. Keep the father as involved as possible - children need both parents as long as both parents are decent people. Above all, expect to experience a new and intense kind of love, a bonding that is deeper than any you can imagine. For more information from teens who are parents please see the Teen Advice Parenting Information Page.
She is pregnant and doesn't want the baby, I do want the baby, what are my rights as a father-to-be?
This is a controversial and emotional topic. Your rights as a father vary depending on where you live in the world and the stage of the pregnancy. You should consult a family lawyer in your area for more information. If you go through a lawyer referral service you can get a visit with a lawyer for as little as $20. Look in your Yellow Pages for a lawyer referral service in your area. A Pro-Life pregnancy help line may be able to offer you some advice; you can find a Pro-Life hotline in your local Yellow Pages. For a basic look at your rights and responsibilities see Teen Advice on Teen Fatherhood.
Do I need parental permission to have sex?
No, although there are Age of Consent laws that determine when you are legally able to consent to sex. If you are not at the Age of Consent and you have sex your parents can charge your partner with statutory rape. The Age of Consent varies depending on where you live and whether or not you are married. For more on the Age of Consent see the Teen Advice AOC FAQ.
Do I need parental permission to get birth control?
It is possible that you may need parental consent for certain types of birth control. As a general rule, you do not need parental consent to buy any over-the-counter form of birth control like condoms, sponges, and spermicidal foam. You may need consent to get any doctor prescribed form of birth control - this will depend on the applicable laws where you live.
Do I need parental permission to buy a pregnancy test?
No, you do not need parental consent to buy an over-the-counter pregnancy test. These tests are very accurate when used correctly and are readily available at drug stores all across North America for around $7.00.
Do I need parental permission to put a baby up for adoption?
You may need parental consent to put your baby up for adoption; this will depend on what the laws are in your area. If you choose adoption the agency or lawyer who helps you can let you know if you need to get parental consent.
Do I need parental permission to have an abortion?
You may need to get parental consent to obtain an abortion. This will depend on your age and on the laws in your area. To find out if you need parental consent to get an abortion contact your local pregnancy or crisis hotline. The phone number for these hotlines can usually be found in your local Yellow Pages or by calling the operator.
