Teen Pregnancy - 3 Ways You Can Help

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Teen Pregnancy - 3 Ways You Can Help

• By Jonni Good

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When a teenage girl becomes pregnant, both she
and her male partner will need an exceptional
amount of support from their parents and friends.
However, a teen pregnancy puts so much stress on
family relationships that those closest to the
expecting couple could find it difficult to know
how to help.
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Remain Nonjudgmental.

• If you are a close family member, the pregnancy
  may affect your life so much that it's hard to
  remain nonjudgmental. However, try to remember
  that most teenage couples do not intend to become
  pregnant. Teens are fully aware of the social
  stigmas and financial problems that the pregnancy
  will cause, and they know they need to make
  choices that could affect them for many years.
  Both the girl and her boyfriend will need help to
  sort out the possible options, so they can
  consider all available alternatives with an open
  mind.

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Get informed.

• If the teenager you know is considering all the
  options to her pregnancy, you can help by
  learning more about those options.
• A call to your state's Medicaid office or
  Prenatal Care Assistance Program (PCAP) will let
  you know if your teenage friend will be eligible
  for financial assistance from these agencies.
• If your teenage friend is considering other
  options, such as terminating the pregnancy or
  giving the child up for adoption, you will be
  able to find information from the Planned
  Parenthood office near you, or from a local
  adoption agency. 

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Suggest counseling.

• No matter how carefully you attempt to stay
  non-judgmental when talking to the pregnant teen
  and her partner, and no matter how much research
  you do to stay informed about any options they
  may choose, it is still a good idea to suggest
  counseling.
• A counselor is specially trained to help teens
  make the best possible choices for their future.
  Laws protect the privacy of the client if the
  counselor is licensed as a social worker,
  counselor or psychologist, so the teen will be
  free to speak her mind.