QuestionI am 14 years old and live in Houston, Texas. I recently found out I am about 1 month pregnant. My Parents found out and are telling me I have to get an abortion and have no choice. I do not want to get the abortion. I know I am young and I have thought about this and I want to keep my baby. But my parents say it's not my choice it's theirs and they are saying they are going to force me to get an abortion and have been trying to get me to take these pills they say will kill my child. Please help I don't want this is it legal for them to make me get an abortion if I don't want one since I am a minor? Thank you for any answers given
AnswerUPDATE:
Isabel,
It is definitely illegal for your parents to make you do this without your consent. Is it possible for you to call 1-800-395-HELP or visit http://tinyurl.com/96n63p for a list of help centers in your area?
I'm praying for you. Reply anytime if you need help, I'm checking regularly, ok?
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Isabel,
Hold on, honey. I am trying to find out for you if this is legal. It is definitely wrong of them to do this.
That tiny body inside you is their grandchild, and they should not be trying to force this on you both. Also, those pills come with dangers to your body. Your parents may not know either of these things, or they are in a panic over the changes this brings to your family. They don't have to be afraid. A baby does not ruin everything. Things change, but many changes are good. Challenges are just that: challenging. It does not have to mean abortion or sadness.
You are right that they are giving you no choice. There are so many choices here. The baby could be born and stay with your family. A relative may be able to care for the baby, or through local assistance programs the baby can have daycare. There are groups willing to arrange tutors, even, so you do not miss school. A local girl here was tutored and still graduated with her class. I also know a young girl who really wanted to find her child an adoptive family, and she did and still gets pictures of her son. All these choices have their own pros and cons, but there's no sad ending like there is with abortion.
I promise your parents that pregnancy and children are not the end of the world. The new changes can all be worked through, and there are AMAZING people in Texas who want to help people like you.
Please hold on, I'm researching where you could go for help in Houston. In the meantime, you can call 1-800-395-HELP if you are scared. They will talk with you calmly and support you. :)
You're very brave. This must hard for you, and it was good to ask for help.
God bless you, and I'll get back to you soon.
