1. Critical Issues Take-Home Assignment on Teen Pregnancy
Name______________________________
Eight Weeks
In the back of her mind, 16-year-old Christy Richards knew what the test result was going to be.
She knew in her mind but was hoping in her heart that it was a false alarm. But the doctor at the clinic
was sure………..sure that she was eight weeks pregnant!
Her first indication was that she missed her period. That didn’t necessarily mean anything- a lot
of teenage girls are irregular and occasionally miss a period. But not her. She has always been like
clockwork. Ever since seventh grade. Every 28 days. She knew when it was coming, how long she
would have it,……she even thought she knew when she ovulated. Every month around the middle of her
cycle she just felt different. She couldn’t explain how, but she just did.
That’s why she and her boyfriend Jim didn’t always use condoms. She thought that they could
“guess” when she was “safe”. Looking back on it now, it really was pretty stupid. They both had taken
Health and learned that the “guess” method wasn’t reliable. She even remembers Mr. Splen, her health
teacher, trying to emphasize it.
“What do you call couples who only use the Rhythm method?” he asked the class.
“PARENTS!!!” was the answer.
Right now, however, how she got pregnant is not of immediate concern. Christy has to deal with
a situation that only happened to “other people”. But now she is one of those “other people” and she is
worried sick about it.
She remembers when her married 24-year-old sister found out that she was pregnant. She was so
happy! She couldn’t wait to tell everyone. Our society seems to be pleased and proud of young married
women who get pregnant, but it kind of turns its’ back on unmarried pregnant girls. Especially when they
are only 16! Views may have liberalized somewhat, but that is not going to make it any easier to tell her
mother and father.
The burden of being pregnant lies on Christy alone now. She thought she was in love with Jim.
He’s 18, a senior. His main thing in life right now is making All-County in football and getting into
college. The last thing he wants to hear is that she’s pregnant.
They’ve been arguing a lot the last few weeks. She has been so worried lately, that she hasn’t been much
fun to be around. She kind of resents Jim for doing this to her. “I don’t really like “doin’ it” with a
condom. It takes all the fun out of it,” he said.
Well, life is not much fun for her right now. She’s got to make a decision. A decision that can change
her whole life.
She finally decides to tell her sister, Carmen. She feels a little guilty about not going to Jim first.
But she can’t hide or deny her resentment toward him, since he is the father and did not take any
precautions against getting her pregnant. The first question Carmen asked was: “How do you feel about
Jim right now?” When Christy told her of her resentment of him, Carmen said that Jim would probably
feel the same way towards her! “It takes two, you know”, she said.
After talking with Carmen, Christy drives over to Jim’s to tell him she is pregnant. Jim is not too
happy about the news. He storms around the living room saying, “You gotta be kidding!” But of course
she isn’t. The test she took at the clinic only confirmed the home pregnancy test she took a week earlier-
No doubt about it- she was Eight Weeks pregnant!!
Answer the questions below. Then, complete the Decision-Making model to come up with what you think is
the best solution to this problem. Your answer should be based on accurate information and should be
supported by your own personal values and beliefs regarding the Pro-Life vs. Pro Choice debate.
1. As a minor in New York State, what are Christy’s rights regarding confidentially and abortion ?
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2. What are Jim’s rights as the father of the unborn fetus? Legally, does he have any rights in
determining the outcome of this pregnancy? How do you feel about this?
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2. Work through the Decision-Making Steps below and come up with what you personally think
would be the best solution for you if you were in this situation.
State the Problem:…………………………………………………………………………………………
Gather Information
I would seek advice from………………………….because………………………………………………..
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The laws I need to be aware of………………………………………………………………………………
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Financial concerns?………………………………………………………………………………………….
Goals for the future…………………………………………………………………………………………
Family/Religion/Personal values are……………………………………………………………………….
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List Possible Options
1. 2. 3.
List one Positive and one Negative Consequence of each option
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Based on the information above, Make A Decision
I would want to________________________________________because___________________
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The two biggest factors in my decision are….
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2…………………………………………………………………………………………………
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