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I agree with you that teen pregnancy is rarely an accident. But rather than shaking our heads and our fingers at these girls and boys, let's realize the possibility that something deeper may be going on. (Please scroll up to read my comment beginning with "In 1956"). If I had a mentor or a good councilor before I became pregnant at age 17, that pregnancy may have never occurred. Certainly at this stage in my life I would not chance a thing as I have great love a respect for my four children and my grandchildren as well.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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In 1956, as an infant, I was given up for adoption in Paris, France. I was adopted by an American couple and raised in the US after living with them in Europe for the first six years of my life. As I became a teenager, I felt increasingly disconnected from my parents and, I believe, subconsciously attempted to recreated the situation surrounding my relinquishment by getting pregnant at age 17. I wanted to have a child, be a mother and "do the right thing". I wanted a real family and someone to connect with. I married my boyfriend, we had three more children and were divorced after seventeen years of married. My youngest daughter got pregnant at age sixteen, gave her child up for adoption and has since married and has three children. My point - having a child while you are a child, whether you choose to raise your baby, or give it up for adoption, will most likely have ramifications that can last a life time.

posted 4 years, 9 months ago
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