Sex is a wonderful and powerful expression of love. Like a fire or a gun, it should not be used by someone unprepared for the consequences of its use. I have counseled with many, many teens, and I have yet to find one who was even partially prepared to deal with the consequences of sexual behavior. Pregnancy is the natural result of having sex. Once a pregnancy results, there are usually three options, and each has its own set of unpleasantries.
Abortion is a common response to teen pregnancy.
Usually teens feel terrible about this option, but pressures from boyfriends, parents, and others can leave a teen feeling as if she has no choice. When one has an abortion because she feels helpless to do otherwise, it sets the stage for a wide variety of emotional and relational problems which can last a lifetime. The second oft chosen alternative is single parenting . Teens in this category are forced to assume adult responsibilities before they are ready, and thus miss many opportunities for socialization which their peers may enjoy. The least popular alternative is adoption , a very loving but difficult choice which may leave the teen mother wondering about the fate of her child for the rest of her life.