Teenage Pregnancy
Most women your age don't plan on becoming pregnant. Having a baby requires a network of support, including family, friends and health care providers. Sadly, many teens are hesitant to tell the people who often can provide the most support. MeritCare wants you to know your options when it comes to prenatal care, the law and talking to your parents*.
Overview of North Dakota Law
In 2009, North Dakota passed a law about the amount of prenatal care a minor can receive without the consent of her parent or guardian. With this law, the care you and your baby will receive is very different if you decide to tell your parents or not to tell your parents. The new law went into effect on Aug. 1, 2009.
What you can expect if you tell your parents
MeritCare wants you to receive the care that you and your baby need. Telling your parents will allow for the best and most thorough care.
If you tell your parents, you can expect:
- Pregnancy testing.
- Pain management related to pregnancy.
- Prenatal care throughout your pregnancy.
- Bills submitted to your parents' insurance.
Prenatal care is very important for your health and the overall health of the baby. If you choose to tell your parents, MeritCare can provide you with complete prenatal care and also offer additional services you may need, including counseling.
What to expect if you don't tell your parents
Telling your parents can be scary, but not having the care you and your baby need can be equally frightening. If you decide not to tell your parents, the care you and your baby can receive is more limited.
If you don't tell your parents, you can expect:
- The medical provider to encourage you to tell your parents.
- Pre-paid appointments only. We will not be allowed to bill your parents' insurance, so you will be required to pay out of pocket before each visit.
- Confidential pregnancy testing and prenatal care in the first trimester (first 13 weeks) if you pre-pay for the appointments.
- Only one confidential prenatal visit in either the second or third trimester, if you pre-pay. This is the most critical time to be seen to provide the best and most thorough care for you and your baby.
- Possible parental contact. Medical providers may contact your parents if your health or your baby's health is in jeopardy, if you require surgery or hospitalization, or if the provider believes telling your parents would benefit your health or your baby's health. The provider will have to tell you the reasons for informing your parents before contacting them.
Support
Though difficult at first, telling your parents can provide you and your baby the care and support you need. Here are some tips for talking to your parents:
- Plan what you will say ahead of time – think about it and write notes so you can stay focused in your conversation. You might also think about how your parents will react and plan how you will respond.
- Be direct – let them know there's something you'd like to discuss. Be sure you do it at a time when you can have their full attention.
- Pick a good time – approach them when you know they will focus on you.
- Write it down – sometimes it can be easier to write a letter, let them read it and then discuss it.
Meritcare.com has great resources that can help:
For more, check out the section For Teens in our Health Library.
Options
This law only affects North Dakota, so if you receive your care in Minnesota, you may be eligible for complete prenatal care given in confidence. Please talk with your health care provider.
Our first priority is the health of you and your baby. If you have questions about what care you can receive, please reach out to us at (701) 234-2241. Please strongly consider whether or not you tell your parents; it can mean a world of difference to you and your baby.
* "Parents" refers to birth mom or dad or any other legal guardian.