What would you do if your child asked you for birth control and said they're being emancipated?

Question

My husband broke news of his 16 year old run-away sister who comes back home to change clothes only to go back out with her boyfriend of 2 months. Recently she asked her mother, "Can you buy me birth control in case I decide to do anything?"

If I were the parent, I would say, "If you're so grown up that you feel you need to be emancipated, you can buy your own. Don't forget to purchase health insurance, food, shelter, and clothing while you're out in the world!"

This kid has no car, no driver's permit, no job... only a "rich" boyfriend whose dad is a lawyer.

I say that her mother should let her learn the hard way. Her brother went through the same things (my husband) at 16. He had it rough, met me, and we had it rough. 2 years later we're finally settled down with a baby. I can't imagine why she would choose this route!!!

What do you think of the whole situation? I'm sort of speachless that her mother wouldn't be a better single parent!!

Answer 1

I like your statement of what you would say, but the reality is that until she turns 18 the mother is legally responsible and will be held accountable for anything the girl does. Her mother should report her as a runaway. If she is not at home on time, does not ome home, leaves without permission or anything like that. Then her mother has something to document the child's behavior.

Answer 2

isn't this kind of stuff why Planned Parenthood was invented?  Tell her to go to the darn CVS and get some condoms if she's too scared to go to PP..

Answer 3

Would you rather her bring home this boy's, that you hate so much, child?! But I think that if she thinks she is so grown up, and is threatening emancipation, then she should buy her own.

Answer 4

I would have to agree w/ begonia..Race should defintely have nothing to do w/ it..

Answer 5

I would put that girl on birth control before she brings an unwanted child into the world. Or a child that is not taken care of.

Answer 6

I agree with you that she should be told to fend for herself... however her mother also needs to be patient she will come around once she figures it out for herself. Make sure her mother knows the best thing to do is to let her daughter know she still loves her, and she can always come home again.

Answer 7

I would buy her the birth control.  I would rather she not bring a child into the world with how immature she sounds.  I would not do it for her, I would do it for the potential victim - the potential baby she could create because a 16 yr old really has very little resource outside of parents to go to in order to get the birth control.

Answer 8

I think if she wants to have s*x with him, she will. There is no "giving permission" The birth control is just a precaution. At least this girl knows that having baby at 16 is stupid.

I doubt at 16 she could get a job anywhere that will pay for everything she needs.

I think you make a terrible mother. Let her learn the hard way so we have MORE worthless people in this world?

This girl is 16 and hates her home. That isn't rare. She doesn't want to be home and would rather be with her boyfriend. One her mother doesn't like, at that.

WHY doesn't her mom like this boy? Because he is a different race? Another good point for the girl. She isn't racist.

Hah. I can't get over the whole giving permission to have s*x thing.

My mom doesn't like my fiance. So I too can say my whole family does not approve of him. However, the rest of my family likes him.

I think her mom needs to talk to her. Which I doubt she has done. Why does a 16 yr old want to be emancipated? Either its a threat or her boyfriend put her up to it. I think the only bad thing about this girl is that she isn't thankful for everything she is given.

Answer 9

I agree with you on that one!! Tell her to get out and stay out. She can go live with the boy. She can go to Planned Parenthood if she wants BC. Good luck. I hope she learns her lesson before it's too late.

Answer 10

I really think somebody should take this girl and get her on birth control ASAP!!! She did the hard part, at her age and asked for it! Give it to her cause she is using good judgment by asking for it! If somebody doesn't get her on birth control than your MIL? will be stuck raising her baby cause she didn't want it and she didn't get her on birth control when asked. It pisses me off with mothers like this cause they have no idea what is running through a brain of a teenage girl... most don't ask for birth control and have s*x than find out their pregnant and the parents are pissed but the reason why they didn't ask for birth control was because they were afraid of what their parents would say! This is why they say communicate with your children at a very young age about s*x and add stuff about s*x as the age is appropriate is the greatest thing you can do.  My mom has always been very open and honest with me and expected me to do the same and I didn't have a baby till I was in a steady relationship... we are now married and she is almost 2 and I am 23. Open and honest is the best policy when it comes to teens and s*x... I would rather my daughter come to me and be able to ask me for birth control than hide it from me and get pregnant at such a young age cause I was too ignorant to see that she needed my help and was afraid to ask.

Answer 11

She isn't your child so mind your own business!

The girl is obviously the product of a dysfunctional family, according to your own admission (your husbands history).

You lost all credibility when you threw in the race card.

Answer 12

get her on birth control, protect first, work out remaining problems later, may only be with this person a short time, is she unhappy at home?  im sure out running is a free time for her   all teenagers want some free time