Expert: Deborah - 10/24/2009

Question
Hey thanks for the help!
Well, my friend is 8 months pregnant. She's due dec. 4th, & she seems to be confused. She's stuck between adoption or keeping the baby. She's 17, and her mom & grandmother would help support her. But the babys father left her. [He's same age]  she wants to keep the baby, but she's worried that he won't turn out his best because of her living w/her mom & grandmother. My question is, if she does decide to keep it. How can she provide for her baby? And what can she get from the baby's dad? [He doesn't work, & 17]

Answer
Dear Tiffany,

She should absolutely give the child up for adoption.  I don't know how a 17 year old with no college education could ever support herself and her child alone, in any decent standard of living.

She can always have another child when she is married and educated.

Best wishes,

Deb