17... pregnant... Need help

[Unregistered]

I'm 17 I'll be turning 18 in May, but that's not the point. I recently found out im 11 weeks pregnant... I had no clue because I had my period but I think I noticed when I was gaining weight. My boyfriend just turned 20 and we've been dating since I was in the 8th grade. We told my parents when I found out that I was pregnant and they where really unsupportive they told me to get an abortion because I "********ed" up my life. I'm not able to see my boyfriend at all we have to sneek around. On Monday instead of going to school he picked me up to talk about our future... And he told me to run away with him, don't get me wrong I want to but I'm scared my parents will sent him to jail. They had warned me that if I plan to run away they'll send him to jail... I need help what can I do?? This baby is mine and I want to keep it. I know I'm lucky that I'm 11 weeks pregnant to late to have an abortion because if I was less weeks my parents would've forced me to get one.

[ccsmod1]

RE: 17... pregnant... Need help

Hi-
Thanks for contacting the National Runaway Safeline. We are sorry to hear that you are faced with such a tough situation. It must not have been easy when your parents didn’t support the pregnancy the way you hoped they would. You obviously care about your boyfriend and unborn child very much, and it is understandable that you are considering running away in order not to lose them. We are glad you contacted us and we will help you in any way we can.

As soon as you leave home without the permission of your parents, you are considered a runaway. At this point your parents have the right to do whatever they can to bring you back home. This means they can call the police and file a runaway report. Running away is only a status offense, so you will not get into any legal trouble. The worst that could happen is the police find you and bring you back home. Your boyfriend however, could get into legal trouble for ‘harboring a runaway’ if your parents decide to press charges against him.

You mentioned you are only 11 weeks pregnant and will turn 18 in May. We are not sure exactly when your birthday is, but you may turn 18 before the baby is born. At that point you can have your baby and go live wherever you want, and your parents cannot get your boyfriend to jail. It may be worth waiting until you are 18.

If you do not think waiting is an option you are willing to try, you can give us a call at 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929). Over the phone we can get more information from you and provide you support in any way you may need. This can include helping you look up other alternatives of places to go. We are a 24/7 confidential hotline so everything you share with us stays private, and you can reach us at any time.
We wish you the best of luck and hope to hear from you soon.