TeenHealthFX - Answers - Pregnant! What To Do?

Pregnancy / Question
Published: February 18, 2000

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I am 18 years old and in my senior year of high school. I'm pregnant, about 1 month. I play basketball and really want to finish out the season. Should I get an abortion and not play basketball anymore or should I wait till I am four months and then get the abortion? Do you have any decisions you can think of better than the 2 I picked out? I really wanna know. Thanks a lot for your help. I really appreciate it.

Signed: Pregnant! What To Do?

Dear Pregnant! What To Do?,

You need to go to a doctor or a teen health center ASAP!!! Unfortunately, basketball can not be your main concern here, taking care of your health and your body needs to come first!

A teen health center can confirm your pregnancy and go over your options. Your options include abortion, adoption and keeping the child. A counselor at the teen center will be able to discuss your choices with you and refer you to the next appropriate place (i.e., abortion clinic, adoption agency or family planning specialist).

You seem to have made your decision on an abortion already. The teen health center can explain the procedure to you and get you to the right place. This cannot wait until basketball season ends 4 months from now. If you decide to have an abortion, the safest time to have the procedure is in your first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The earlier you decide how you are going to handle the situation, the better.

So, make the call to a local teen health center ASAP. If you live in Northern New Jersey, please call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health. If you live outside of Northern New Jersey, please call your local teen health center or Planned Parenthood. When making your appointment, let them know you are pregnant. Teen health centers can see teenagers for sexual health reasons without your parent's consent and on a low/no cost basis.

In the meantime, practice safer sex and use a condom!

Signed: TeenHealthFX