Understanding Relationships A Lot Better

Sexually active teenagers often do not take pregnancy prevention as seriously as they should. Unfortunately, teenage pregnancy has been on the rise for many years now. This sometimes leaves young expecting mothers, expectant fathers, and even parents of the teenagers in a bad situation because they cannot provide for the new baby that is on the way. It is not uncommon for everyone involved to feel that abortion is the only way to avoid raising a child they cannot afford. However, there are other options. These are some abortion alternatives for sexually active teenagers.

The Morning After Pill

There is a medication available that can be taken three to five days after sex that will prevent a female from getting pregnant. The hormones in this medication prevent the young woman from ovulating therefore the egg cannot become fertilized. While this method is not quite as effective as traditional birth control pills, it can prevent pregnancy. The sooner it is taken after having unprotected sex, the higher the percentage rate is that it will prevent pregnancy. Different companies manufacture this medication and some have been found to work even up to five days after having unprotected sex.

Temporary Guardianship

If teenage parents choose to have their baby, there is also the option of giving an adult who can better provide for the child temporary guardianship. This may be a family member, a close friend, or even a foster parent. This allows the baby's needs to be met until the teenage parents have finished school, acquired employment, and can provide for the child properly. Often, the birth parents are allowed to visit the child so that they can establish a relationship and bond with the baby while getting better prepared to be parents.

Adoption

If neither of these options works for the teenage parents, adoption may be the best choice. There are many childless couples who would love nothing more than to have a child to adopt, love, and give a wonderful home to. Depending on what the birth parents prefer, they may have the choice of having either an open or closed adoption. In an open adoption, the birth parents can keep contact with the child as he or she grows up even though they have legally given up all rights to the child. In a closed adoption, there is no contact between the birth parents and the child.

The best way to avoid abortion is to avoid getting pregnant in the first place. Whether parents think their teenagers are sexually active or not, it is very important for young people to be taught about the importance of birth control. There is a wide variety of different types of birth control available and teenagers, both male and female, need to be educated about it.