Teenage pregnancy

Very often, young teenage women become anxious about the possibility of being pregnant, particularly if they have had unprotected sex.

The possibility of an unplanned pregnancy can be an overwhelming experience. To alleviate unnecessary worry, it is important to find out if, in fact, you are pregnant.

If you are not pregnant, this is an opportune time to think about the future, to avoid having any anxiety about unplanned pregnancy again. This is a time to think about relationships and safe sex.

If you are pregnant, you may feel very anxious about telling your parent(s), partner or boyfriend, afraid of their reactions - possible shock, anger or disappointment. Perhaps you could tell another adult you can trust eg school counsellor, family friend or your GP, who could talk with you about these concerns initially.

Pregnancy Counselling Link also has counsellors to help you.

There are a number of options for you to consider. It is important that you take some time to think about what you want and not be pressured into a decision by others.

Initially, you may be in shock and find it hard to think. This is very normal. It usually takes time before it is possible to think clearly about what might be the best thing for you to do.

For the teenager, becoming a parent leads to many life changes.

What about school, university or work?

Education Queensland has a policy on Pregnant & Parenting Students and this can be accessed at the website: www.education.qld.gov.au.

Universities: are independent and have separate policies but generally are very flexible. Talk to a campus counsellor.

Work: You should be able to continue in your work place until quite late in the pregnancy if you are healthy. It is illegal to discriminate against a woman in the workplace on the grounds of pregnancy alone.

What about money?

There are specific entitlements available through Centrelink. The Parenting Payment is payable if you are an Australian citizen or, under some circumstances, if you are a resident. You may apply for a Parenting Payment immediately after birth.

There is also a one-off Maternity Allowance payable immediately after the birth, and, as at November 2005, this payment is $3119.00.

To ensure your entitlement to maintenance payments, or for more information about parental financial responsibility, contact the Child Support Agency on ph 131272 to discuss or link to Child Support Agency website: on www.csa.gov.au.

What about the father?

Often the baby's father is also in a state of crisis, experiencing anxiety and maybe feeling left out of the decision making.

In other cases, he may believe abortion is the only option and the mother of the baby can be under a lot of pressure to please him.

Sometimes the baby's father separates himself from the situation, not wanting to be part of the difficult process of decision-making. He may also be very fearful about telling his parents.

PCL also offer counselling to partners and other family members. To make an appointment, click here, or use our easy email form for further information.

Information on Teenage Pregnancy, Centrelink and Child Support Agency information was updated on 03/11/05.