Expert: Tara - 11/22/2004

Question
ok well Im 16 years old. My pregnancy did not come as a surprise because I planned it for my own reasons. Well what I need to know is, do I have to go to school at all during my pregnancy? Once I start showing, can I stay at home until its over? And can my parents separate me from my babys father after the child is born? I need the babys father in my life, because that was apart of our agreement, and I just know that when I tell my parents about this issue, they will try to take him out of my life completely.  

Answer
Gia,

It all depends on where you go to school. The national standard is six weeks. States may vary beyond that, but according to national law, schools MUST provide you with an at home tutor for up to six weeks for pregnancy leave. Clearly, that will not be all of your pregnancy, more likely the last half a month and then some time after to get better, depending on when your child is due. Your parents can make it so he cannot visit you at home and, to an extent, forbid you from seeing him away from home, but I suppose that will only work as well as you will listen. I hope this helps.
Tara