I’m pregnant. The words that could change your life forever – and usually not in a good way if you are in your teens. If you’re at school, these could be the scariest words you’ve ever heard. What is going to happen to your future? But that’s not what you are worried about right now. You are terrified about how to tell your parents.

Teen dads say the most terrifying thing about the news is wondering what their family is going to say and what they will do. Who will pay for the baby? What will her family say? Will they expect you to pay damages or child support? These are all good questions! The unprotected sex is not feeling so fun anymore. You could also be responsible for a human being and that feels like a huge burden.

But if it happens, pregnancy is one problem you have to face. You are going to have to make some big decisions. If you are under-age, you are going to have to make them with your parents and her parents, too. Hopefully, your family will be your first line of support. If you feel you can’t talk to them, find an older relative, an elder, a teacher or other adult you can talk to.

Discuss the issue with the girl instead of avoiding her. Discover together what options you have, if you keep the baby, if you give the child up for adoption or if you have a legal abortion. Go to the closest government health facilities, PPAZ or Marie Stopes clinics. You have to make a decision that you can both live with.

It is important that neither of you drop out of school due to an unplanned pregnancy. School is your path to the job you will need to support your baby and family.