What will happen if I/she gets pregnant?

Pregnancy - the options

If you become pregnant you have three options. a) to have the baby and keep it; b) to have the baby and give it up for adoption; c) to abort the pregnancy.

If you have had sex and not used protection or if the condom was out of date and/or split during intercourse, it is still possible to avoid pregnancy. Emergency contraceptive (the so-called morning-after pill) can be given within the first 72 hours. Go to your doctor or family planning clinic, or walk-in clinic, or the emergency departments of some hospitals, and they will be able to advise.

Dealing with the truth

The quicker you face the reality of the situation, the more time you have to make the right decision. There is a lot to think about. If you abort, will you feel that you have murdered your child? Are you ready to become a mother? Can you imagine how being a mother will change your life? Will you be supported - by your family, for example? Will you love the child or become resentful of it?

Seek advice. Talk to your parents or, if you feel this is not possible, go to a family planning clinic. You may feel nervous, worried, upset and scared but don't keep it to yourself; get help.

Abortion

Abortion is a very sensitive issue in the world today. However, as a girl, you must do what you feel is the best thing for yourself. Where abortion is concerned, the earlier the decision is made, the better. It is easier to abort the pregnancy before the foetus reaches a certain stage and is illegal after a certain time.

The father of the child may have his say in the matter, but it's your life, your body - and the choice is ultimately yours.