7. Discuss the Options
Some Circle of Moms members say the best way to stave off an unwanted pregnancy is to discuss what the options would be if their daughters did get pregnant, says Christina M., once a teen mom herself. Since any choice, whether adoption, teen parenting, or abortion, has consequences, a discussion like this can be eye-opening for a teen. Christina elaborates, "If she came to me pregnant, after I stopped yelling, I would present her with her options. Abortion is not a personal option for me, so I would never suggest it for my child, but I would give her the pros and cons of adoption and parenting. I would make her check out an adoption agency, and also sit down with another teen mom to talk about teen parenting."
Heather L. says that though she would be disappointed, she would tell her daughter that if she got pregnant, she would support her if she wanted have an abortion. "If she wanted to abort, I would help with that," she says. "If she wants to do adoption, I would help with that. And if she wants to keep the baby, we as a family would do what it takes to get her through school and on her way to a career so she could be a successful mom.