Is the baby's father a gang member?

This recent report in the American Journal of Epidemiology finds that Latino girls (aged 14-19) whose boyfriend is in a gang are "twice as likely as their peers to become pregnant" (United Press International). Young girls who date a man who has been in jail in the past are also more likely than their peers to become pregnant. The report also points out that these girls face a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases. These findings, while based on research on Latino girls, are likely similar to trends in other ethnicities.

Ask your daughter about the men she is dating. Do her dates belong to a gang? Do they have a history of being arrested or being in jail? If so, make sure your daughter is tested for sexually transmitted diseases. Talk to your daughter about her physical safety. Does a gang boyfriend put her safety at risk? If so, what steps can you take to improve her safety? Appendix A "Parental Authority Over A Minor" of our book "How To Survive Your Teen's Pregnancy" outlines six actions that parents can consider when trying to protect their minor daughters from men who are dangerous to their daughter's well-being. Consider talking to a lawyer or the police about getting a restraining order if needed.