1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Transcript Review:
Teen Parents Females
In attendance: Jan Dougan, Courtney Julian, Mary Topper, Sue Hartig, Linda Gilbert, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Nikki:
White, 17 years old, she was a party girl and had sex without protection and did not think about the consequences. She became pregnant when she was 13, had a miscarriage and immediately wanted to get pregnant again. Had her baby at 14. The father was 6 years older. Her father was in prison and didn’t meet him until she was 12; her mother didn’t care about her; the only family member who cared was her grandmother. When grandmother died, Nikki became pregnant within 2 months. She was fighting a lot with her boyfriend and then went to a youth home for a while and had a good experience. After she left the home, she became homeless and her child was placed in a foster home. She eventually moved in with her boyfriend. She now lives with her boyfriend; also living with them are her parents and siblings. They pressure her not to fight with him for fear of losing their place to stay. Nikki achieved her GED and would like to go to college but recognizes the costs and challenges of doing so. In reflecting back, she would not have children if she had it to do over again. Nikki led a discussion about the reason for becoming pregnant is the need for love and affection.
Cindy:
White, was getting high every day, but quit when she discovered she was pregnant. She thought pregnancy was “fun”.
Donna:
White. Donna stated that her parents were initially upset about her pregnancy, but came around to support her after the baby was born.
Marie:
White. Came from a stable two-parent family (married 25 years) with a nice home and attended “nice school”. She was a “party girl” drinking and smoking weed every day. She was not worrying about the future or “stuff”. Baby was born prematurely. She minimizes the effects of alcohol and drugs on her premature birth. She still wants to be a kid and party, but accepts the responsibility. She was exposed to sex education but just “didn’t listen”, heard it, rejected it, wanted to party. She seems to accept the consequences of her decisions. At one time she thought she had a future but that is now clouded with child responsibility. She admired Elizabeth for recognizing her limitations and putting her child up for adoption.
Elizabeth:
White, 17 years old. Her dad became very upset when told of her pregnancy. He refused to talk to her or let her stay at his home with the child. She went to the youth home and had the child placed in foster care. She needs a place to live but has no idea how she can pull that off. Doubts her
ability to raise her child.
Lynn:
White, 16 years old. Unlike many of the other girls, Lynn indicated that her pregnancy and child have actually brought her closer to her mom.
Libby:
White, 16 years old, and pregnant. She had moved in with fiancée (6 years older) and his family, everything was good, his family very supportive. Her mother and grandmother duped her into going to youth home. She is there now and very distraught about her family’s action. She wants to go “home”. Her relationship with her mom is very strained. Her mother is very controlling. Libby applied for Medicaid and other aid and the mother cancelled her appointment and scheduled one with her physician. Her mother makes some very hurtful comments: explains how she was pregnant herself at early age and wishes now she would have given Libby up for adoption. She pressures Libby to give her child up as well. Libby is concerned about the effects of drugs on the health of the child. She hasn’t got a lot of support from others and has no real friends. She has not opened up to her emotional pain at the youth home – does not seem to trust someone there.
Betsy:
20 years old, white, high school graduate, some college. She was a party girl and had a miscarriage -- and immediately got pregnant again. Shhe had premature twins (5 months) still in hospital. She wanted to get pregnant to relieve her guilt about the miscarriage. She was concerned that the smoking caused the miscarriage. When she found out she was pregnant she “drank a fifth of cognac”. She has little respect for the father. She has a very distant relationship with her own father. Her dad is very prejudice and the father of her child is black. Her dad now ignores her…like she doesn’t exist. The grandparents are one of the few people who can visit the twins at the hospital, but he refuses to go. Betsy doesn’t want any more children and believes she in now incapable of more. She is in a youth home shelter and feels very comfortable there.
Caroline:
17 years old, white, 3 months pregnant, diabetic. She appears to be from middle class background (she hung out with the “preppy” crowd). She is concerned about the effects of her diabetes on the child. She is on her dad’s insurance. Shame seems to be an issue with Caroline. Says some people look down on her like she’s “trash” or a “slut”. On the other hands talks about how “everyone at my school is pregnant” and some of her friends want to get pregnant “real bad”. She is concerned about the financial effects of her child and having to give up her new car. She is concerned about how the pregnancy may effect her appearance and make her “fat”. Her parents created tension when the mother and aunt began pressuring her to have an abortion. She was opposed to it as was the child’s father and his family (based on religious beliefs). Caroline states she used to be close to her parents but their reaction to her pregnancy made her re-evaluate her relationship. She recognizes the challenges of continuing her education, but is still in her long term plans.
1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Transcript Review:
Teen Females Not Parents
In attendance: Jan Dougan, Courtney Julian, Sue Hartig, Linda Gilbert, Maureen O’Connor, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Coretta:
Black female, high school sophomore. She is future oriented, had career goals in 7th grade, hope for the future keeps her strong. Strong mother-daughter relationship, communicate with each other, high level of trust. Admitted she feels pressure from mom not to drink or party. Feels her parents are supportive, can talk to them easily. Acceptance by peers is important to her. She takes responsibility for her action; has strong peer friendships. First started talking with peers about sex in 7th grade. Believes one must think about pregnancy as a consequence of sex. Had a close friend who became pregnant her sophomore year. She tried to surround herself with positive, successful peers. She displays a strong self-respect, and chooses to avoid situations that are high-risk behaviors.
Leah:
White female, high school student. Leah acknowledges impact of peer pressure, but does not let it influence her decisions. Her older brother got involved with drugs to be accepted and then quit. She has strong sense of self-esteem which keeps her from involvement with alcohol/drugs. Teens who have sex are quickly found out at school, labeled and “disrespected”. Felt majority of 7th grade students were not involved with drugs/alcohol/sex but there were the others. There is parental support, she talks freely with them. Leah feels responsible for her behavior and decisions.
Janie:
White female, senior at private religious high school. Drinking is problem at her school. There is some pressure to drink and have sex – but she goes with her own values, “I really don’t care what other people think” -- but she also “doesn’t get in trouble”. Strong parental relationships. She’s very self-confident. But parents never talk about sex, they “just assume…”. But she knows if she ever got pregnant “My parents would kill me”, and she doesn’t feel “its worth it”. She is also college-oriented and knows a child would be a major obstacle. Baby sits for 26-year-old mother with twins and feels it’s a tough time caring for kids even at that age. She recognizes some youth are having sex just because they want to. She’s a member of “promise to keep” group which agrees to abstinence and works with elementary students. Goes to small school and everyone knows who is having sex – and you lose your reputation quickly – “they just call you dirty”. Freshman year there is a large group of friends, but smaller groups develop in sophomore year. Parents instilled hope in the future, college and careers. She does have a friend who is sexually active but believes it’s not related to alcohol or drugs. Was repulsed by sex watching film about child delivery. Has speakers at school, some good, some bad -- “some 90 year old guy was horrible”. Has been exposed to drugs but has resisted easily, quit seeing a boy who came to her house high on drugs. Doesn’t have time to be sexual “I work baby-sit, school, homework, study, stay up late”. Believes that getting drunk at a party is very dangerous, leads to sex.
Kathy:
White high school sophomore, 6 protective brothers. Pressure for alcohol, drugs and sex. Dad encourages abstinence but caution if otherwise. Aware that pregnancy would short-circuit college plans. Her brother’s girlfriend got pregnant at 17 and he didn’t go to college as a result. Her brothers “would kill me” if I went out and had sex. She’s not going to make same mistake as her brother. She doesn’t like high school, too many people gossiping and “running their mouth about you”. Her friends are mixed: some doing drugs and sex, others not – “people respect you for who you are not what you’re going to do”. Believes she can just “walk away” from temptation.
Brooke:
White high school sophomore. Had a friend who was sexually active, had two babies and doesn’t even know who the fathers are – had an impact on her.
Kelly:
White middle school student, 14 years old. People who do drugs “think they’re cool”. Has a friend with an abusive mother who went to party, got drunk, had sex and became pregnant. Realizes the constraints of having a child and attending college. Feels like there are different groups of “those who do and don’t” and you can be accepted either way. Has a desire to be with the ‘don’t’ group. Says people began talking about sex in 7th grade but believes there will be more challenges at high school. Kelly says she just turns away from any temptations. She is an honor student, and has a good relationship with her parents.
Ginger:
White middle school student, quiet. No story.
Sophie:
White high school student, in honors class. Feels there is some pressure for sex and drugs, but she does not succumb. She wants to be able to look back on high school years with pride – concerned about what she can tell her children. She thinks about the future and “the long term”. She plans on going to college, but does worry about the increased pressures for sex and alcohol there. Feels that teens into drugs and alcohol have low self-esteem. Believes that you should be responsible enough to handle raising a child if you’re going to have sex. Credits her values to her family and friends – who also provide support. She does “admire” teen moms going to college – but “you have to be a really strong person”. Does not want to have children until she is much older. She has a good group of friends who are supportive – “They keep me grounded” and help her resist pressures. Thought the sex ed slide at school about STDs was “gross” but effective. She dated a guy for over a year and he never pressured her for sex – but she chooses to date boys that are respectful. She gets involved in activities and works hard for grades so “I can feel good about myself”. Told story of girl in class who became pregnant, father wasn’t helping, she was all alone. She felt sorry for her but affirmed her decision to wait to have sex. Believes religion can provide moral compass for deciding right from wrong.
Common Issues:
1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Transcript Review:
Teen Parents Males
In attendance: John Betz, Lisa Nord, Pam Majors, Beth Rose, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Jim:
White, 17-year-old junior in high school. He lives with his parents, is not working, and struggles with his grades. His 16-year-old girlfriend is 3 months pregnant. Jim felt a lot of pressure from friends and acquaintances to become sexually active. He also internalized this pressure and felt a strong need to “become normal” and “not be a dork” because he had not had sex. He stated that about 50% of the people he knew were having sex. In explaining his sexual experience, he believed it was a combination of the “spur of the moment thing” and peer pressure. Alcohol and drugs were NOT a factor in his sexual behavior. He experimented with alcohol/drugs but rejected it. Jim went over to his girlfriend’s house after school and sex just happened as they were lying around in bed and “we both just didn’t have any reason not to”. He felt happy afterwards because he was now “normal” but then felt a tinge of guilt and concern about her getting pregnant. There was a strong worry about his/her parents finding out. As they continued having sex, his worries about pregnancy continued. He used condoms “protection” but his girlfriend had this knowledge of her “high fertility days” and they used that as their “protection” method. Worry. The girlfriend assured him she knew what she’s doing and wouldn’t get pregnant. Worry. She had little dots on her calendar for her “bad days”-- and they use condoms. A couple times AFTER sex she would look at the calendar and realize it was a “bad day”. He states she always wanted a kid but just “didn’t think about it much”. He became angry mostly with himself when she got pregnant. He knew he was taking a chance by not using a condom but she seemed to be reassuring and he “just got caught up in the moment”. The girl wants the baby and deflects any notion of adoption or abortion. Jim, however, is ambivalent. He worries about how his parents will react, the shame of being a teen parent (“people will think I am a loser”), and the financial, emotional and “time” burdens of being a parent. His parents respond positively and indicate support for him and the baby; the father counsels “responsibility”. He is more concerned about his mother’s family – they will “look down upon him”, they are “kind of snobby”. His girlfriend’s mom is very supportive, and is helping her with the pregnancy. He seems to accept the inevitability of “being a dad” and is thinking about getting a job after high school to help support the child. The child will live with the girlfriend and her mom and he will continue to visit. There are no plans to get married, he does not want to get tied down to a girl he may or may not have a future with. He is very doubtful that they will make good parents… he does not feel up to the job.
Seth:
20-year-old, white, high school graduate. He began to feel the pressure of having sex in his freshman year, seemed like a lot of guys were “going out and having a good time”. He didn’t become sexually active until the beginning of his senior year. He was living “day to day” with little thought about the future. His life was “really boring”. He wanted to do something different and began socializing with girls. He was feeling pressure to have sex. He didn’t want “to be the only person who wasn’t with somebody”. He began having sex with girlfriend, mostly at his house as his mother worked evenings. At one point he did not have any condoms because he was “low on money” and just went ahead “and kept going”. Seemed to worry about possible pregnancy only as an afterthought. He seemed concerned about “getting caught” by her parents (but not his mom). Broke up with her eventually. Seth became involved with another girl he seemed to care for and got married. She already had a child and they are now expecting a child of their own. They had sex before marriage and used condoms initially but then they decided to not use protection. There seemed to be an acceptance of possible pregnancy, and that was OK with both. After marriage and pregnancy, they both received support from both of their families. Seth has accepted the stepchild and looks forward to the upcoming baby. Believes condoms should be readily available in schools.
1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Transcript Review:
Teen Males Non Parents
In attendance: John Betz, Beth Rose, Lisa Nord, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Jeff:
White, high school student, 2 natural brothers (grown, living out of home), and 2 stepbrothers (living with him and his father). He perceives that more youth are concerned about STDs and thus using more protection. Jeff does not appear to be sexually active – he tries to “keep all the consequences in mind”. He is involved in school activities and would have to drop them and get a job if he got a girl pregnant. Not many of his friends are sexually active either. Jeff did not see a strong relationship between sex and alcohol/drugs, although he did think there were two groups within high schools who engage in sex: those who drink and party and not care about consequences, and those in love where sex is part of an emotional relationship. He has had some short-term (2 week) relationships with girls, but didn’t result in sex. For Jeff, marriage and family are in his future. His mother has been very open in talking about sex with him, and even offered to buy him condoms. His father does not seem willing to talk to him about sex. He did have a good experience with a teacher in discussing sex.
Tom:
Black, 14 years old, high school freshman, lives with his mother. His mother seems to discourage sex and encourages him to get an education before having children. His father, however, encourages his sexual behavior and tells of his own sexual exploits with “nasty stories” that Tom really doesn’t want to hear. It is his perception that less than half of his friends are sexually active. He’s not clear about whether he is sexually active, but he did admit to carrying a condom on his person. When asked where he wanted to be 10 years from now his answer: living. If a daughter of his got pregnant Tom would respond with beating the father and “whooping” the daughter – “She would be in hell”. He would, not, however, dwell on it and “move on” the next
day. Tom does not believe that sex education is important or effective.
Sean:
White, 19 years old, college sophomore. He became sexually aware in middle school but the girls didn’t seem interested – although they were more interested and aggressive in high school. He thinks kids today are smarter about sex and using more protection for the prevention of pregnancy, they better understand the consequences of unprotected sex. Sean does not believe he’s responsible enough to become a parent. He recognizes the emotional aspect of sex and believes it’s part of it. His first sexual experience was with a girl he had been dating for 3 months: they held off until they felt an emotional bond. However, it is his perception that “all his friends” are sexually active (estimating that 85% are active). Sean stated that he too had a condom on his person. His father encouraged the use of condoms as means of protection. He believes that condoms should be made available in the schools, and there should be teachers who are comfortable talking about sex with youth. He sees different groups of kids in high school – with his friends, alcohol and drugs not part of sexual experience, but for others it is. Sean believes that educating about the consequences of sex is more important than moralizing – especially the financial repercussions of raising a child.
Tim:
White, 15 years old, high school sophomore, 3 sisters, 1 brother, lives with his mother. Boys talked about sex in middle school years, but the girls didn’t seem interested until high school years. Tim is sexually active. He is carrying a condom. However, his mother became pregnant at an early age and thus did not go to college. His mother buys his condoms and he tells her everything. He is committed to attending college so using protection is important to him. He has a girlfriend now, but they are not having sex yet (just 2 weeks). Sex has come up but she’s reluctant because “becoming pregnant would ruin her life”. Feels some girls need more education about birth control and protection. Sex education to him was largely ineffective. He believes kids should learn from themselves about sex and parents should “just be there for them”. He does believe that if there is to be education, it should focus on the consequences of sex. He believes parents should be taught how to talk with kids about sex.
Doug:
White, 15 years old, high school sophomore. Believes that more youth today are using condoms. Doug’s sister recently became pregnant and he is seeing first hand the consequences of unprotected sex. She is making financial and other sacrifices to have and raise her child. Doug wants to graduate from college and get a good job. Not many of his friends are sexually active. Those that are tend to be “upper classmen” at school. He just doesn’t believe sex is “worth the risk of disease or pregnancy”. Plus, he doesn’t feel he’s ready for sex. His parents make it clear they don’t want him having sex, but if he does they encourage using protection (conversations began after sister became pregnant). His friends don’t give any advice about sex, “just stories”. Doug believes condoms should be available in the schools (nurse’s office).
Common Issues:
Unique Issue:
The one black participant indicated that his father was openly supportive of sexual behavior, and showed a traditional double standard about male-female sexuality: not acceptable for girls but expected for the boys.
1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Transcript Review:
Teen Parents - Males
In attendance: Gerry Adams, Susan Plassmeier, Beth Koleszar, Linda Simmons, Paul Farmer, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Jared:
Older teen, expecting a boy soon, a high school graduate, currently working cleaning ventilation in restaurants. He is the only child from a broken family (father left when he was 7). He feels like he was an adult since he was age 12. Now, with impending child, wishes he could “be a kid”. He “grew up” even more when mother told him about the pregnancy. Mentioned “raging hormones” and peer pressure to have sex. Is experiencing some ambivalence about the child: on one hand is committed to staying with the mother and providing for the child, and refers to childbirth as a “miracle”, he also regrets that he finds himself in this position, how it will restrict his life options and burden him with financial responsibility. But he has made the choice to stay with the mother and child and accept his responsibility He understands, and feels the weight of, his parenting responsibilities. His wants for his child/ren’s life vary from his own: he will advise the males to use protection or not have early sex, and to pursue a college education to get a better job. For the girls, he will encourage abstinence (will raise a Virgin Mary). Jared recognizes the financial challenges ahead, and is contemplating upgrading his occupation to a higher-paying trade. Due to child responsibilities, college is not a good option. But he is also looking for some quality to his employment, something that gives him satisfaction “beyond just a pay check”.
Adam:
18-19 years old, has a younger daughter. High school graduate. He lives with the girlfriend (mother). Employed as a dishwasher at restaurant. He fell in love with the mother, and does not regret the baby. He understands and accepts his responsibilities as a parent. He received his values from his grandfather. There does not appear to be a significant parental role model in his background. After the child was born, his friends quit coming around and his social world became his girlfriend and child. He didn’t listen to any of the abstinence messages. Alcohol and drugs were not part of his sexual experience. He has a low-paying jobs and has trouble paying bills, but does not sound displeased with his life. However, he doesn’t want his daughter to make the same mistakes he has made. Believes teens should be made to experience childcare before they become sexually active.
Mario:
17-19 years old high school graduate, he has a 9-month-old son with his current girlfriend. They had discussed having a child, but not one so soon. She works, he doesn’t. He is currently living with his mother. Would like to move in with girlfriend and baby but is waiting to find his “perfect home” in the country. He was drunk at the time of his sexual encounter (connection with pregnancy unclear). He is committed to caring for child and mother. He states he gets his family values from his family. He now goes to church to thank God for his child.
Vinny:
High school graduate, from Michigan. Had a child with girl who lives in Michigan. They had a three year relationship which ended after the pregnancy and she told him he wasn’t the father. He moved to Evansville and later found out that maybe the child was his. He has visited the mother/child and seems ambivalent about the child. There is a desire to take responsibility for the child and maintain contact, but unclear about fatherhood. He does blame the girl for the pregnancy: she was supposedly on the pill when it occurred. He does share the blame for not using protection when having sex. He has started another life here with a mailroom job and has another girlfriend. His family history includes a father who left them when he was young, and the mom became his “male role model”, instilling in him a “sense of responsibility”. His mom, moreover, was pregnant at age 16. Alcohol was not a factor in his sex and pregnancy experience… they “were in love”. Mother encouraged him to have safe sex and bought him a “bag of condoms”. Vinny felt a closer connection to God because of this experience, and has concluded he has a “duty” to care for his child. He was also very appreciative of having the opportunity to express his feelings about this issue.
Common Issues:
1999 – 2000 Comprehensive
Community Assessment
Teens Subcommittee
Review Team 3
Transcript Review:
Teen Female Parents
SECOND TRANSCRIPT
REVIEW TEAM SUMMARY
In attendance: Gerry Adams, Susan Plassmeir, Beth Koleszar, Linda Simmons, Paul Farmer, Jay Oliver, Dan Hayden
Summary of Stories:
Cory:
Black female, high school student, and 18 years old. Recently gave birth to boy. Falling asleep during classes – exhausted most of the time. Child in daycare at school. Mother told her she was pregnant – sick all the time. Lost her friends when she became pregnant, except one close friend. Father tries to “play dad” sometimes, but doesn’t last long (when baby cries). He does not provide financial support. But considers him unnecessary – “I work so I really don’t need him. I’m doing it myself so, me and my mom she’s helping me”. Sex happened during party, but father’s family “they party all the time”. She got pregnant on her first time and was intoxicated. She was against abortion, even though her mother encouraged it. Father’s family encouraged adoption (they were head of church youth group), but she didn’t want to go through life wondering what the baby was like. Her parents got divorced in 3rd grade, and she went back and forth between them. Lived with her mom at 14, and admitted to having sex and mom told her, “You know what to do, don’t get pregnant on me or I’ll kill you”. Her mom worked nights and slept at boyfriend’s during the day. She had house to herself and “did as I pleased”. Problems start with parents, “telling teens all their wild stories about what they used to do”. Said mother never explained the consequences of sex. Thinks there should be a “teen place” with something to do besides sex.
Samantha:
Black female, age 16. Doesn’t work, has 1 year old baby. Seems overwhelmed by the energy level of baby and amount of work needed to care for him. Father helps a little but Samantha “doesn’t know how to deal with him”. She was on birth control when she got pregnant. Abortion nor adoption were not options for her. The baby has given her a focus and reason for living: before she was a party girl, now feels responsibility to care for child. When pregnant, she lost all female friends. Father’s mother and grandmother provide some care and support. Her two sisters also had babies out of wedlock. Her parents got pregnant and their parents made them get married (his father was a preacher). The grandmother wouldn’t talk to her for 4 months after finding out. She finally got over it. Her mother watches child sometimes while she goes out and “has a good time”. She now believes that having sex and a baby during high school was a mistake. Should have concentrated on school and a career, having a good time, but now raising a child. But also speaks about friends who think “everybody around her is having babies”. Mother told her constantly not to get pregnant, but “I just didn’t listen to her”. Saw the hypocrisy of mother telling her to be good but “would walk around drinking in front of you, and so…”. Mother was inattentive and didn’t seem to care what she did, thought she might get her attention with pregnancy. Her mom went to college, didn’t seem to have friends in high school. Was very strict with her, didn’t let her go to grad school dances, but she sneaked out.
Kristin:
White female, married, 18-19 years old, high school graduate. Full-time mom, has a 1-½ year old son. Working full-time at flower shop. Thinking about going back to school. It was rough at first with newborn but now getting adjusted. She and husband both wanted to get pregnant -- “Him more than me”. Trying to have another. They don’t do much and seem somewhat socially isolated -- but “hang out” with neighbors at apartment complex. Against abortion. Husband’s parents sometimes care for child so they can have time together. They want another child – she hopes for a girl. She seems to delight in speaking of the boy’s emerging abilities “…thinks he’s Hercules, dances all the time, pulls your hair…” She appreciates child, but also thinks maybe she should have waited to have child. Her parents tried to control her life and she actively rebelled. She thinks living by herself/husband is easier than living at home. Says she will allow her children to party at home so she can control it.
Jennifer:
White female, high school senior, 17 years old, has a 3-month-old girl, going to school during the day, working 3 nights per week. Child in daycare at school. Living at home with mom and sister. Now thinks her friends are “so immature”. She’s not with baby’s father anymore. He and his mom come around to see baby, but she’s afraid he may try to take the baby from her. Not into drinking or partying. Her mom wanted her to have abortion, friend encouraged her to place in adoption, but she wanted to keep it. Not clear about her future, maybe buying a house. After thinking about it, said she wanted to go to college, get degree in early childhood education – work in childcare. Doesn’t want to work and leave her child at daycare to take care of somebody else’s kids. Loves her child but wishes she hadn’t had her – especially not married or financially stable. Parents divorced in freshman year, her mom was cheating on father. She went out and had sex to “show her mom”, they argued but eventually agreed to birth control. She then got pregnant. Thinks there should be more after-school activities other than sports. Also believes teens should have more opportunities to talk about sex.
Jeannie:
White female, single, 3 months pregnant. Graduated last year from high school. Works full time at jewelry store. Has a relationship with the father. Is drifting away from her old friends, but she has family relationships. Believes she’s becoming more responsible now with the care of a child. Strongly opposes abortion, and although thinks adoption is an option for some girls, she wanted to keep her child. Brought up in religious environment, attended Baptist school. Expected otherwise, but parents were supportive when they heard she was pregnant, as were friends and church members. She wants to be a lawyer in 12 years. Her father had child at 17 with first marriage but married to her mom for 29 years now. She knows he understands how mistakes are sometimes made. Began having sex when parents were having trouble, and she felt rebellious. Dated an older boy she knew her parents didn’t approve of. Used two different forms of birth control.
Common Issues: