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in Pregnancy Period General by (1 point)
Hey, my name is Monica. I'm 17 and currently 7 weeks pregnant while under DFACS custody. My boyfriend wants me to keep the baby, but others are pressuring me to have an abortion. I don't want to harm my baby. With my 18th birthday approaching in 2 weeks, I'm considering signing myself out. What should I do? I feel lost and need guidance.
Artificial Intelligence Health Assistant's Answer

It's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and uncertain about your situation, Monica. While it's important to remember that every individual's circumstances are unique, there are a few factors you can consider when making this decision.

Firstly, it's crucial to understand your rights and options as a minor who is pregnant and under DFACS custody. Reach out to a trusted adult or legal professional who can provide guidance on the specific laws and regulations in your area.

Next, take some time for self-reflection and consider what you truly want for yourself and your future. Think about your values, goals, and aspirations beyond motherhood. Consider discussing these thoughts with someone you trust or seeking counseling services to help navigate through this challenging time.

Additionally, it may be beneficial to have open conversations with both your boyfriend and the people pressuring you towards abortion. Express your concerns honestly and listen carefully to their perspectives as well. Ultimately, the decision should be yours alone based on what feels right for you.

Lastly, explore available resources that can support you during pregnancy and parenting if you choose to keep the baby. These resources may include medical care providers specializing in adolescent pregnancies, educational programs tailored for young parents, financial assistance programs, or support groups for teenage mothers.

Remember that whatever choice you make will have long-term implications on your life; therefore, it's essential to gather as much information as possible and seek guidance from professionals who can provide you with accurate and unbiased advice.

2 Answers

0 votes
by (36 points)
I am sorry you are being put in this position. In my own personal opinion I would keep your baby as well. With an abortion I feel you lose a part of you that you can not get back, many people have side effects, regret and depression after as well. Babies are definate blessings and you will never regret having your Child and watching them grow! If you need to sign yourself out in order to keep your child I would defianately recommend doing so. There are many organizations that can help you through your pregnancy and after if you need some help getting on your feet! Sending prayers for you and your baby.Take care ❤
by
Can you talk to your social worker (or a different social worker) about support that might be available to you if you stay in dfacs? There might be additional resources available, I'd talk to more than one person to try to find out. Sometimes I put a phone call in, ask questions, hang up and call back to talk to someone else and see if they have different information. You want all the support and resources you can get, not just for your sake.
I was talking to a woman yesterday who said her mother was about your age 50 years ago and everyone was giving her advice, mostly not to keep the baby, but one aunt Said not to listen to all that advice, because those other people don't have to live with the decision, you do. Either way. Having a baby is really really really hard (I have a very wanted one and a half year old and I'm 30 and married and have a house and it is so, so, so hard) and not having the baby can also be. It's up to you with what you can live with.

Open adoptions are also more and more of a thing. You get to pick a family that can help support and care for your child, while also helping and supporting you and keeping you in your child's life without the full burden of parenting, but still the meaningful lifelong important connection of being that child's mother, one of their mothers. Those organizations can also give you a lot of support, free counseling, advice, resources, etc.
Sending lots and lots of love for this big time ahead of you.
0 votes
by
Keep your baby. I was in custody at your age and I know it sucks but now I am 44 having my second daughter in couple weeks. My love for my kids is what makes life so good. I have a great life and my kids also have a wonderful life. We don't have a lot of money or a huge house but we are very happy just being a family together. Find a job and get you a place. There are a lot of resources out there to help you. Just research it in your area. Don't give up on your family it won't give up on you. 

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