Why are so many teens getting pregnant? Not abstaining Not communicating with sex partner No access to birth control (BC) Not using birth control even if they have it Not using BC consistently or correctly

MINORS OF ANY AGE MAY CONSENT FOR MEDICAL CARE RELATED TO THE PREVENTION OR TREATMENT OF PREGNANCY IN CALIFORNIA

What are the decisions confronting a Male who gets a girl pregnant? Support her - both emotionally & financially Quit school - get a job (less opportunity) Finish school - work nights/weekends Marry her Break up - not be involved

What are the options for a female who gets pregnant? Abortion Keep the baby - live with family members Adoption - give the baby away Get married - live on their own Safe surrender

Safe Surrender Mother or father can surrender the baby within 72 hours of birth without fear of prosecution. Where: hospitals or fire departments, and sometimes police stations No Questions asked (parent and baby with be given an ID bracelet. Parent has 14 days from time of surrender to reclaim their baby by presenting the ID bracelet. Unclaimed babies are place up for adoption.

KEEPING THE BABY Money problems – doctor bills – hers and the baby’s, hospital bills costs will range depending on insurance policies…no insurance could range from $4000 to $5,000 for delivery of a healthy baby Clothes – maternity clothes and baby clothes, blankets Baby things – crib, car seat, swing, toys, stroller, diapers, bottles, formula, healthy snacks

What changes might occur in her/his life? Family support - can they stay at home, are her parents/family going to help her financially, emotionally and physically Friends - social life changes, prom, dating, daily life activities (sleep, crying babies, going out)… School - Finish? Continuation school? Drop out? Future - work, college, marriage, goals, dreams...

OTHER PROBLEMS... Telling the father? Telling her parents? The stigma of being pregnant/appearance Welfare, medical payments? Social problems, child abuse and neglect? Risks to her & her baby...

GOOD PARENTING SKILLS PATIENCE SACRIFICE YOUR TIME AND MONEY KNOW WHEN TO DISCIPLINE COMMUNICATION BE LOVING COMMITMENT MATURITY BEING RESPONSIBLE

A BABY SHOULD NEVER BE A MISTAKE ! You should never have to make any of these decisions!

If your thinking about having sex.. Ask yourself… Why do I want to have sex? Have I talked to my partner – history, protection? Am I ready to make a decision if I get preg? How will this change my relationship? Am I ready for someone to see me naked? How would my parents react if they found out?

Other things to think about… If you can’t talk about sex, you might not be ready to have it. Having sex won’t necessarily make someone love you. There are many ways to express your love and affection without having sex. Even if you’ve had sex before, you have the right to say no at any time.