It's every parent's worst nightmare, second only to the death of their child.
It turns the world upside down for everyone involved, from the soon-to-be teen mother to her parents.
This isn't a visit by the cops because your kid got pulled over for DUI. Nor is it failing grades.
Those problems will hopefully go away after they're properly dealt with. This one won't.
A human life has been created. While a joyous occasion in itself, it's been done far too prematurely. Far before the mother's ability or willingness to provide for it, or the father's or soon-to-be-grandparents for that matter.
Now the decision has to be made as to what to do with that little life.
My own religious beliefs frown upon abortion for any reason, while I myself find myself undecided on it being medically necessary if the mother's life is in jeopardy. Even I know that medical history can be manipulated.
I strongly recommend that every teenager should watch the movie "Juno".
This independent dark comedy deals with the unplanned pregnancy of 16-year-old Juno MacGuff, who discovers she's pregnant after taking a home pregnancy test. Knowing she's not ready to become a mother, she decides to have an abortion. However, she changes her mind upon arriving at the clinic and decides to place the baby up for adoption by placing an ad in the local PennySaver. She finds an affluent couple whom she feels would provide a suitable home for the baby. While the wife is enthusiastic, the husband is reluctant, and develops an attraction to Juno. Though she rebuffs his advances, he goes through with his decision to pursue his rock star dreams and leaves his wife. A devastated Juno is prepared to back out, but scribbles a note to the wife telling her she can still have the baby if she wants it.
The baby's father, along with Juno's parents, supports Juno's decision, and stays with her throughout her pregnancy, including the delivery. The happy wife, now single, comes to the hospital to joyfully collect the baby boy and begin her new life as Juno cries in the delivery room.
Even the Catholic Church has given its stamp of approval on this, taking the stand that while the film depicted an alternative to abortion, it did not romanticize teen pregnancy or underplay the decisions depicted in the film.
Never assume it won't happen to your kid.
Ever.
No upbringing, no matter how devoutly Christian, or even giving your daughter contraceptives will guarantee that she won't come home with those words on her lips.
Moms...have the talk. Get her a book or have a trusted friend explain it. Your daughter needs to know her body and how it matures.
Dads...know your daughter, even with all her hormones raging. Tell her that she is loved. Most dads tend to back off physically when their daughters reach adolescence, mostly because in today's incest-phobic society, physical affection is frowned upon.
Your little girl, while growing, still needs you. Whether she knows it or not.
NEXT WEEK: Part II
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