Teenage Pregnancy Resources: Legal Rights, Telling Your Parents, and More

An unexpected pregnancy can bring the world to a halt, especially for a teenager. In an instant, you’re facing serious questions about your future: Who can I confide in? Where can I go to get help and support? Which pregnancy option is best for me? What are my rights as a pregnant teen? We understand how overwhelming it can feel, but you’re not in this alone.

Confirming Your Pregnancy

If you think you might be pregnant, the first thing to do is take a pregnancy test and get an ultrasound. EPS provides free pregnancy tests and free ultrasound, so you can confirm your pregnancy in a compassionate, confidential environment. You are welcome to bring a parent or loved one, or come alone—whatever makes your experience more comfortable for you. All EPS teen pregnancy resources are 100 percent confidential. We will never tell anyone about your testing results or your visit with us.

Legal Rights and Parental Consent

If you are under the age of 18, Nebraska law requires that you get written consent (or permission) from at least one parent or legal guardian to receive an abortion, although exceptions can be made. Essential Pregnancy Services (EPS) is here to answer your questions and support you from your first pregnancy test to your final decision. To speak with a nurse now, you can call or text the provided contact numbers.

How Do I Tell My Parents That I’m Pregnant?

Telling your parents that you’re pregnant can be one of the most nerve-wracking moments of your life. It can be hard enough to process your own feelings, let alone put them into words. Below are some tips to help you get started:

• Consider Your Options. While you don’t have to make a decision right here and now, it’s wise to start thinking about which pregnancy option would be best for your future.
• Confide in Someone You Trust. They may be able to help you process your thoughts and feelings and put them into words. You could even practice the conversation with them to calm your nerves.
• Get Straight to the Point. When it comes time to share the news, get to the point. You can be as straightforward as: “I have something difficult to tell you. It’s not what I planned, but I’m pregnant.”

Your parents will probably have questions. These questions can seem accusatory, but they likely come from a place of concern for you. Remember, they’re hearing shocking news for the first time, so try to answer as calmly as possible and allow them time to process.

Safety and Professional Support

If you’re concerned that either of your parents may react violently to the news, please speak to an EPS nurse now and we can connect you to a licensed medical professional or trained counselor. Our professional counselors are able to help you get to safety if you’re experiencing abuse at home. Finding out that you’re pregnant as a teenager can be scary, but have hope that there are people and resources available to help you.

Visual Legal Guides for Pregnancy Rights

Visual self help guides for legal rights during pregnancy provide a more coordinated and understandable set of resources. Some of the key visual principles include:

• Bird’s-eye view, giving a full system map of what to expect in different phases of the issue.
• Staging information, letting the user selectively deep dive into more content if they are particularly interested in that area.
• Coherent color choice and image choice, to provide a consistent visual language that can become a point of reference.

EPS Location Resources

The following testing centers are available for those seeking assistance in Nebraska:

• Maple Village Testing Center: 3029 North 93rd Street, Omaha, NE 68134
• Bellevue Testing Center: 908 West Mission Avenue, Bellevue, NE
• Administrative Office: 3171 North 93rd Street, Omaha, NE 68134