first, you would need to confirm whether or not you are pregnant. There are pregnancy tests available (and you don't have to be 18 to buy them) that can tell 5 days before your period. By an early pregnancy test, take it, and see what it says. You don't have to be afraid. This is a part of every woman's life. Everyone has a pregnancy scare from time to time. It's stressful, it's scary, and it just plain sucks. But, that doesn't mean that if you close your eyes and ignore it, the problem will just go away. We all have to face it from time to time. You just have to take a deep breath and do it.

If the test comes back positive, you need to go to the doctor and have a blood test taken to really confirm the pregnancy. You do not have to be 18 and you do not have to have your parent(s) permission to get a confidential pregnancy test at a family planning clinic. I would encourage you, though, to tell at least one of your parents what's going on in your life so that they can help you to possibly get on a more reliable form of birth control.

If you are pregnant, you have two choices. One is to keep the pregnancy and the other is to end the pregnancy. If you decide on an abortion, at 15, it depends on what state you live in whether or not you will need parental notification or consent. This site will give you more information on the second page: http://www.Guttmacher.Org/statecenter/spib s/spib_pima.Pdf

if you feel that you cannot, for whatever reason, tell your parents, you can apply for a judicial bypass. If you go to a planned parenthood, they can get you in contact with an attorney, give you all of the paperwork, and explain the process to you. In this way, you have to go before a judge and tell him/her that you are either: a)mature enough to make this decision and you know what an abortion is, what it entails, and the risks (if any) of the procedure b)that you fear telling your parents due to retribution c)you are living alone or cannot find your parent(s). An attorney will be provided free of charge for the process and there are no fines or fees.

I would still suggest that you tell your parents if they are not violent people. They may be disappointed but they love you and they will want you to do what you want to do with your body.

If you need help paying for an abortion, there are some organizations available. This site can help you get in touch with someone, possibly in your area: http://www.Nnaf.Org/intro.Html

if you decide to keep your pregnancy, you then have two options. You can either keep the resulting child and be its parent, or you can seek an adoption. If you decide to parent, you technically have the same rights and responsibilities as any other mother. You may need financial help and there may be organizations in your area that can help. If you decide to seek an adoption, you can set up either an open or a closed adoption. In an open adoption, the adoptive parents and the birth mother are in contact with one another, know where the other lives, and may exchange cards or pictures (this is usually left up to the discretion of the adoptive parents). A closed adoption, on the other hand, means that the adoptive parents and the birth parents have little to no contact with eachother and there isn't any ongoing, longterm contact between them. You have the right to change your mind after the birth, you do not have to pay anyone back if you do, and you will need to have an attorney represent your interests (do not let an agency or the adoptive parents pay for one for you).

It's up to you, whatever you decide to do. It's your body and your choice. I would, again, highly recommend talking to a parent or other trusted adult and you can always receive options counseling at a planned parenthood (if you live near one).

I was 21 when I had an abortion and every woman's experience is different. I can tell you that it was the best decision that I ever made, that my husband and I are still together and have a good relationship, and that we are planning on having children a little later in life. I can also tell you that I did not regret my abortion or feel guilty. Everyone's different, though, so it just depends on if you will feel similar. Keep us posted.
Peace and best of luck,
jenn

Your parents do not have to know about your abortion, or even consent... Planned parenthood, or other abortion clinics can help you with info on that too. (just in case the planned parenthood in your area doesn't do abortions) an early abortion without complications will not harm you or your fertility. It is 10 times safer than childbirth.