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Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Levi Johnston and Bristol Palin at the Republican convention.

Unfortunately, teenaged pregnancies are not the least bit unusual these days. But what you don't hear about all that often is teen parents who take the additional step of actually getting married.

But that's what Levi Johnston, the young man who's having the baby with Gov. Sarah Palin's 17-year-old, plans to do. The media-shy high school student, plans to drop out of school and go to work in the Alaskan oil fields as an apprentice electrician.

And, no, the rumors and the jokes, that he was forced into marrying Bristol aren't true, he says. Despite the Republican vice presidential nominee's penchant for hunting, his summer wedding won't be a traditional shotgun situation.

"None of that's true," Johnston, 18, told The Associated Press. "We both love each other. We both want to marry each other. And that's what we are going to do."

Their baby is due Dec. 18.

But what about that MySpace page where he said, "I don't want kids." 
Johnston said his friends created the page and he had nothing to do with it.

So, what are the odds for his and Bristol's making it? Not too good, judging from statistics and what the experts have to say about it.

“Most young women don't fare very well when it comes to raising a family as a teenager, and those precious few who get married, the marriages are very short-lived,” Bill Albert, chief program officer for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy told a reporter with the New York Times News Service. “I know and respect a lot of 17-year-olds, but I don't think any of them are ready to be married and begin the lifelong task of raising a child.”

But aren't there advantages to at least trying to be a family, despite the overwhelming odds against teen parents? Even if it doesn't work out in the long run? Or do you think it's such a lost cause that teen parents shouldn't even attempt marriage until they're older?

 

Posted by Jenice Armstrong @ 12:41 PM  Permalink | 8 comments
Comments   
Posted 01:32 PM, 10/14/2008
Gibba Mang
I was under the impression that Levi had already dropped out of school before Bristol was pregnant. And I agree with Mr. Albert that teen marriafges are usually short lived especially when the woman is pregnant.
Posted 02:11 PM, 10/14/2008
MirrorImage
I think it can work, but both of the couples have to be committed to making it work. Will there be any residual regrets over getting married so young? Only time will tell.
Posted 03:55 PM, 10/14/2008
luiesmom
There are already too many strikes against them, and to what benefit, quitting school? That decision just makes the one to get married worse. Why could he not stay in school, at least until high school graduation? Neither of the families are destitute, so taking helping to care for the baby shouldn't be a burden. They should both at least finish high school.
Posted 04:06 PM, 10/14/2008
DamiansMrs
The odds are stacked against teenagers who marry and/or become parents. But I also know plenty of adults over 30 who can't handle marriage and parenthood. And I also know of couples who married as teenagers or in their early 20's and stayed married for 50 years. Everyone is different so I don't think we can make a blanket generalization. I just hope this is what they truly want.
Posted 04:30 PM, 10/14/2008
voiceofreason
Why is anybody letting him drop out of school? Especially his parents and future wife? It's not like they can't live with the Palins while the two of them grow up and figure out how to support themselves and their child. What lunacy.
Posted 04:48 PM, 10/14/2008
tdoc
Hopefully all the kin-folk will chip in for a nice double wide. They can get one on the cheap from FEMA. They smell kinda funny, but are a real bargin.
Posted 07:18 PM, 10/14/2008
yweston
This is a disgraceful example for young people. The Republican Party that pretends to have a lock on morality in this country supports an unwed teenage mother and another teenager leaving high school to enter the workforce. Levi will be OK because the Palin family will help Levi and Bristol. However, young impressionable minds will believe the destiny of Levi and Bristol will be their destiny if they engage in unprotected sex. The average girl will probably end up on welfare and the young man will not find employment without transferable skills. It's a recipe for disaster.
Posted 04:27 PM, 10/15/2008
8is2much
The sanctimonious Governor was pregnant (Wink, Wink)when she & Todd eloped. What a role model! Her future son-in-law is now a high-school dropout. Guess I know why Palin doesn't like the "elite", ya betcha'.
8 comments
About Jenice Armstrong
What’s up, everyone? Welcome. Let's discuss whatever's on our minds - pop culture, relationships, politics, even the latest fashion trend. If you read my Daily News column, you know I like to mix it up: One day, it's the state of hip hop and the next, the latest political race. Also, it's always fun to try to figure out the opposite sex and check the latest trends. It’s all about learning from each other, exchanging ideas and hopefully making some changes for the better. Nothing is off limits - just keep it clean and civil.


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