Find a time and place where you can talk privately with your parent(s) or guardian(s). You can bring a friend or other adult along to support you if you think that might make it easier for you. Start by saying you have something very important to tell them. You can also say that it’s taken a lot of courage for you to be honest with them. Then, just tell them.

Parents or guardians of teenagers have a variety of reactions to news of a pregnancy. When you’re ready to tell them, you may have had some time to adjust to the idea of pregnancy yourself. Your parent(s) or guardian(s) may need a similar adjustment period. In the end, the majority of parents or guardians want what is best for their child, and when it comes to a pregnancy, it’s no different. Check out Mom, Dad, I’m Pregnant to get some more ideas about how to approach this conversation with your family.

You know your parent(s) or guardian(s) and your situation the best, and while many girls will feel nervous or scared about having this conversation with their parent(s) or guardian(s), some may have a sense that it’s not safe for them to talk to their immediate family. If you feel like it would be unsafe to share about your pregnancy with your immediate family, it might help to talk with another trusted adult—like a teacher, counselor, health care professional, community leader or relative—about your situation. Sometimes having the support of another adult, either in person or just emotionally, can help assure that you stay safe.

Many states require a parent(s)/guardian(s) or judge’s permission for a teen to have an abortion. The hotline run by the National Abortion Federation can be very helpful for learning your rights: 1-800-772-9100.