It can be a real shock to find out your girlfriend, or someone you’ve had sex with, is pregnant. You might feel happy or you might feel like you’re just not ready to be a dad.
It’s best to talk to someone like a good mate or your parents. If you want some more advice you can also talk to a youth worker or a Connexions personal adviser
If you girlfriend is thinking about having an abortion you might want to find out a bit more about what to expect, and to get some support:
British Pregnancy Advice Service for men
RU thinking about it? – for lads
If you are going to become a dad you can find out more about the birth, how you can get involved and how be a great dad for your baby. Read more on the Young Fathers website.
If you aren’t together with the mother, you can find out how to apply to have contact with your child, and whether you are expected to pay maintenance, by contacting your Citizens Advice Bureau.
The age of consent is 16. However, the law is not there to prosecute you if you are under 16 and have had sex with a girl of similar age which you both agreed to.
Find out more about your rights and responsibilities as a young dad:
Young Fathers: the law
If you are a young parent aged 16 to 19, or up to 25 if you have a statement of educational need, you can get free, confidential advice and support from a Connexions personal adviser. They can tell you about parenting courses, how to get back into work or college. Just fill in this Connexions leaflet and hand it to your midwife or health visitor, or post it yourself.
Download the Connexions young parents’ leaflet (Adobe PDF, 1.3MB)
Find your nearest Connexions centre
Are you a young dad? Do you have any friends who have children? Leave us a comment.
