Letters from the Switched on "Teen Pregnancy" issue

Dear Switched-On,
I was at a party two weeks ago, we were all drinking a lot and later that night I had sex with a girl that I just met that night. I gave her my email address later, and two days ago she emailed me and said that she might be pregnant. I am totally freaked out. I don't want to respond, but I know I have to. I am 17 years old and this would just ruin me.
Signed,
Joseph,
New Haven, CT

Dear Joseph,
Unfortunately a lot of accidental pregnancies occur because of the influence of alcohol and drugs. Making poor decisions can result in a lifetime of consequences. What you need to do is talk to the girl and make sure that she has received an accurate pregnancy test by a doctor. After you find out if she is for sure pregnant, you need to talk with her and find out the best thing to do. Ask for help from friends and family in order to make the best decision. There are many online resources and help-lines that can give you great advice, check out 1-800-RUNAWAY for some help. Even though you probably feel overwhelmed and scared right now, you need to know that she feels the same way. Although you may not know her very well, you both made the decision to have sex and both need to deal with the consequences.
Signed,
Switched-On

Dear Switched-On,
I am 16 years old and I found out that I was pregnant 4 months ago. Since then I haven't told anyone except my best friend. I am super secretive around my parents and boyfriend and I don't think they suspect a thing. I am not telling them because I am scared of what will happen. My parents are very religious and I think would kick me out or send me away. I don't think I could deal with it. I think my boyfriend will break up with me too. I know they will find out, I think I should give up the baby for adoption. Do you think adoption is a good idea?
Signed,
Anna,
Portland, OR

Dear Anna,
Well you certainly have a lot on your plate. Being pregnant as a teen is not only very stressful, you need to make sure you are being healthy. You are not going to be able to hide the pregnancy any longer. You will need routine check ups and need to make sure you are taking vitamins and eating healthy for the baby. If you are not doing this, you could damage the baby's and your health. Even though there are many reason that you don't want your parents to find out, you definitely need to tell them. If you are scared of what may happen, plan out the best time to let them know. Invite someone to come with you, perhaps talk to someone at your church that will be there when you let them know. The sooner that you get this off your chest, the sooner that you can start making plans, especially if you are choosing a great alternative like giving the baby up for adoption.
Signed,
Switched-On

Dear Switched-On,
Is it true that I can get pregnant even if I am on the pill? My friends said I still can, but I don't believe her.
Signed,
Ashley,

Dear Ashley,
Most pills say that they are 99.9 percent effective, but that is only if you are taking the pill as directed. There have been cases where pregnancy has occurred while someone was taking the pill. In order to make sure that you are extremely protected use two different kinds of protection. Talk to your doctor and ask them what they recommend.
Signed,
Switched-On