Caring for pregnant teenagers: medicolegal issues for nurses

From statutory rape, pregnancy options, mandatory reporting, and emancipation, a wide range of medicolegal issues face teenagers. These issues become even more complex when the teenager is pregnant. Nurses caring for pregnant and parenting teenagers are in a position to offer advocacy and support in family planning, prenatal, obstetric, and pediatrics settings. A comprehensive understanding of common medicolegal issues facing teenagers will help to ensure appropriate patient advocacy.