Answer: This is a tough one, best handled by a same sex mentor. Don't jump to the conclusion the school will eject her when the condition is discovered. The State Education Department and local school system have worked a lot on this issue. Where necessary, alternative education is available (more frequently for the younger age group). As a mentor, your role is not to help the young woman out of her problem, getting involved in the Right-to-Life vs. Pro-Choice issue. Sure, Planned Parenthood and a dozen church groups are available to assist her. You may feel the need to discuss this with the Mentor Program Manager, but your main job is to listen. First, find out the facts: How do you know you 're pregnant? Have you been to the doctor or clinic? How regular are your periods? Does anyone else know about this? How do you feel about it? What options have you considered? Is there anything you want me to do?
That last question doesn't mean for you to take charge of the problem. If she is pregnant, there are things only she can do; tell her parents, seek medical attention, talk to her school counselor. You can help by letting her "rehearse" her actions, prompting her discussion, and serving as a sounding board for her own inner feelings.
Note: You mentors working with male mentees are not off the hook! If you discover your mentee has been involved in sexual activities, he needs to know about birth control, venereal disease and AIDS. He needs to know about responsible and safe sex. Your job is not to set him up with Planned Parenthood, but to find out what he already knows. Ask questions to determine his knowledge, and his attitude about sexual responsibility. And again, no moralizing or "when I was a boy" discounting of his feelings or values. TheMentor Program Manager is there to help you, if this is more than you can handle.
