I have two teen-aged nieces who would very possibly come to me with that question. My first response would be “Are you sure you are ready to make such a huge commitment?” (to the guy she was interested in, not to the birth control). My second comment would be one simple sentence “Don’t ever let anyone make you do anything you don’t feel comfortable with.” Next, I would encourage her to visit Planned Parenthood and learn as much as she can about the different types of birth control available, once she is armed with this information, she can make a decision based on what she thinks is best for her. I would offer to accompany her if she felt like she needed that. Finally, I would point out the importance of SAFE SEX, it is just too dangerous not to use a condom, or, along with her partner, be tested for HIV and other STD’s prior to having sex. Oh, and I’m pretty sure I would tell her mother (my sister), I KNOW my sister wouldn’t let her know I shared this information, but it is too important for her not to know what her daughter is considering.
As for other aspects of being on the pill, it is very well documented that being on the pill for an extended period actually decreases a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer. There is something to be said for that, especially if there is a family history.
Wow, that got long.