Abortion
An abortion is a procedure that essentially removes a pregnancy. There are both medical and surgical abortions available in the US. It is often recommended that a person wait 24 hours after visiting a doctor to make a decision on having an abortion. Counseling is always recommended afterwards.

Medical abortions are done within the first 9 weeks of the pregnancy. The procedure requires at least two visits to the doctor or clinic. The last visit is a follow-up to make sure that the pregnancy was in fact ended. The time it takes for the pregnancy to be removed varies – anywhere from 1 day to a couple of weeks.

A surgical abortion is usually done within the first 20 weeks of the pregnancy. Anesthesia is commonly used. The surgeon ends the pregnancy by using instruments to remove the tissue in the uterus (womb).

Adoption
Many babies are put up for adoption every year. If a couple are pregnant and wish to continue the pregnancy but cannot be parents to the child, they might opt to put the baby up for adoption. When the baby is born it is given to someone else to raise. There are many programs available that match babies with parents. Talking to a doctor can often help in finding an appropriate adoption program.

Becoming a teen parent
If a girl and guy get pregnant and want to keep the baby, many arrangements will need to be made. The couple might try to raise the baby together, either as a married couple or as “co-parents.” The girl often ends up assuming the role of single mother, although some teen dads do take all the responsibility upon themselves. Teen parents generally look to their own parents and families for help. Having a baby is a full time job, and a lifetime commitment.