Legal Question in Family Law in Illinois

Re: teen pregnancy

First of all, it would be called statutory rape. A 16 year old needs her parents permission in Illinois in order to get married. Unfortunately, some parents agree to give that permission. My bigger concern is this 15 year old girl. I am a woman with 15 years of wisdom on her. Tell her not to do it. Having a baby is a HUGE resposibility. It wears you out and takes away all of those freedoms that you are used to having. This includes hanging out with your friends, getting a good night's sleep, the freedom of getting an education according to YOUR schedule, the freedom to come and go as you please, last minute nights out, last minute shopping with friends, etc, etc. I cannot stress enough that she is allowing herself to become an old person too quickly. I also cannot stress enough that just because a person loves somebody, they do not need to seal it with a baby. A love that is strong will last and give both of them time and the chance to become everything that they are capable of becoming without limitations. Why risk that? Why not wait? They have their whole lives ahead of them to have a baby. What's the rush? Let that baby come into their lives when they both have the time, money and wisdom to invest in that child. It is the most unselfish thing their love could do.