IS FOURTEEN JAIL BAIT
My boyfriend is seventeen and I am only fourteen could my Mother send him to jail if we had sex and I got pregnant?
please help me learn more!!!!
(Unsigned)
Niece,
Statutory rape laws vary from state to state (sexlaws.org provides information).
The best I can conclude from some research:
When both parties are underage, neither has the right to consent. Both are in violation of the law and there could be consequences. Years of age difference can be a factor. If one party is an adult and the other is below the age of consent – that is statutory rape. Research showed sentences from “a slap on the hand” to 10 years imprisonment. Intercourse is sufficient to establish statutory rape. Pregnancy complicates matters but it is the sexual conduct itself that violates the law.
Beside legal consequences there are other factors that must be considered.
Medically, you might not be physically able to bear a child without risk to yourself and the baby.
Socially, you, your boyfriend, and parents fall in the uncomfortable position of “a baby out of wedlock.” Families often have very strong clashing views regarding abortion, adoption, custody, and support that can lead to court fights and turmoil.
Financially, you are a dependant yourself. You have to be able to support yourself before producing a child.
Theoretically, would you give up all your creature comforts for a baby?
Uncle Jim advises you to think very carefully before launching your sex life. Pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, interruption of education, and parental consequences (maybe disownment) constitute a lot of risk for sexual experimentation. If at all possible, talk to your parents about your concerns. That might be difficult but it is much easier than, “I’m pregnant!”
Everybody’s Uncle
