Support for Pregnant & Parenting Teens in Texas
A Save Texas Moms initiative connecting teen mothers to healthcare, childcare, and school support.
We offer quick, nonjudgmental help for pregnant and parenting teens in Texas.
Save Texas Moms connects pregnant and parenting teens in Texas with trusted local resources and support systems to help meet basic needs, stay in school, and access healthcare.
We understand that becoming a mother as a teenager can feel overwhelming, but Save Texas Moms is here to provide resources, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. On this page, mothers will find ways to balance school, family, and new responsibilities while caring for themselves and their babies:
Immediate help lines
Food/diaper/household supports
School & childcare supports
Healthcare navigation
Emergency Help If You Need It Now
Call 911 for medical emergencies.
Suicide & Mental Health Crisis Line: Call or text 988
Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Poison Control: 1-800-222-1212
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: 1-833-943-5746/1-833-TLC-MAMA
Texas 24/7 Lactation Hotline: 1-855-550-6667
Housing, Food, Childcare & Diaper Support
WIC (nutrition program for pregnant, breastfeeding women, and families with children younger than 5)
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
Housing & Utilities Help (find help on STM’s page)
Get diaper support
Find food help near you
You Are Not Alone in Texas.
You are part of a community of teens across Texas navigating parenthood.
Pregnant or Parenting as a Teen? WIC Can Help.
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) is a free Texas program that provides healthy food benefits, breastfeeding support, and nutrition guidance during pregnancy and after your baby is born.
You may qualify even if you:
- Are under 18
- Live with your parents
- Are still in school
If you already receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, your application may be processed faster.
Every year, tens of thousands of teens in Texas become parents. Some are in school. Some are working. Some are figuring it out day by day—just like you.
Parenting as a teen can feel isolating, especially if it seems like no one around you understands what you’re going through. But you are not alone.
Many teen parents in Texas are finishing high school, starting college or job training, working, or caring for a baby while still figuring out adulthood themselves. There is no single “right” path, and needing support does not mean you’re failing.
Most teen parents in Texas are ages 18–19, and many are parenting for the first time. Some will go on to raise more than one child as a teen, which is why early support, including health care, education, mental health services, and help meeting basic needs, can make a real difference for both parents and babies.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, unsure where to turn, or just need reliable information, help exists. Support is available for teen parents across Texas, including help with health care, school, mental health, parenting education, and baby supplies.
You deserve support, respect, and accurate information—without judgment.
Data sources: Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS); Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); U.S. Census Bureau. Data reflects the most recent publicly available information.
Free Transportation to Medical Appointments
Pregnant and postpartum mothers—and caregivers bringing babies or children to appointments—may qualify for free non-emergency medical transportation through Texas Medicaid or CHIP.
Call the Texas Medicaid & CHIP Non-Emergency Medical Transportation line to:
Check the status of both the parents’ and the baby’s coverage
Ask whether transportation benefits are available
Get help scheduling a ride to medical, WIC, or pharmacy appointments
(Call even if your application is still pending.)
📞 877-633-8747 (877-MED-TRIP)
Official Texas program administered by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission
Learn more and find out how to schedule a ride:
👉 Texas Medicaid Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Program
Texas TIPS (Texas Teratogen Information in Pregnancy)
Operated by MotherToBaby, Texas TIPS provides free and confidential counseling about medication, environmental, workplace, and other exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mothers and families can speak directly with trained specialists to receive evidence-based information tailored to their situation.
Health and Pregnancy
Take care of your health first—your body, pregnancy, and your baby.
You deserve safe, judgment-free care. From prenatal checkups to STD testing and mental-health support, these services are here to keep you healthy every step of the way.
Free or low-cost prenatal checkups and ultrasounds
There are other coverage options if you can’t obtain insurance through an employer and exceed income requirements for Medicaid and CHIP
Breastfeeding and postpartum care
Mental health support
Think you might have an STD? You’re not alone, and most STDs are treatable. Get confidential, judgment-free testing early to protect you and your baby.
School & Your Future
Your dreams don’t stop become you’re a mom. They become bigger!
You have the right to complete your education and continue planning for college or a career. These programs can help you stay in class, graduate, and reach your goals.
Your right to stay in school is protected under Title IX
Teen-parent programs are available across Texas in some schools & cities
Scholarships and flexible college options for young moms
Earning your GED is essential. It’s never too late to finish school! If you didn’t complete high school, you can still earn your GED (General Educational Development certificate). Getting your GED opens doors to college programs, job training, and better opportunities for you and your baby. In Texas, you can:
Take the GED test online or in person through approved testing centers.
Qualify for free or low-cost GED prep classes through your local community college, library, or adult-education program.
Get help with childcare and transportation through some local programs.
Helpful Links:
Your Texas Benefits (for transportation and childcare assistance)
Parenting & Childcare
You deserve help caring for your baby.
There are resources available to help you find safe childcare, learn parenting skills, and feel confident about feeding, sleep, and your baby’s milestones.
Affordable childcare is available (Early Head Start, Workforce Solutions)
Free and low-cost parenting classes and baby care tips
Nutrition and growth milestones for your baby
Money & Legal Help
You don’t have to figure out finances alone.
From food and diapers to housing support and understanding your legal rights, there are programs that can help you and your child feel more secure.
Texas WIC, SNAP,andlocal foodanddiaper banks
Help with housing or safe-shelter options
Info about custody and your legalrightsas ayoungparent
Support for You
You deserve support, too!
Parenting as a teen can feel isolating, but you’re not alone. There are people you can reach out to when you need to talk.
Search mom support groups on 211texas.orgfor local connections
Find mentors who have been there, too!
School-based mental health program
Texas Child Health Access Through Telemedicine (TCHATT) provides free, confidential tele-mental health visits for students. Not every school participates, but many do — especially in areas with limited mental-health options.
You can’t sign up on your own, but you can access it through school. Ask your school counselor, school nurse, or a trusted teacher whether your campus is part of TCHATT.
If your school is enrolled, they will help with referrals and scheduling.
24/7 hotlines if you ever feel unsafe or overwhelmed
Is your baby constantly crying, and you don’t know what to do? Visit www.childhelp.org or call Childhelp USA at 1-800-422-4453 for a 24-hour hotline. Their counselors will provide proven strategies to help you cope.
If you or someone you know if being forced to work or engage in sex against their will, there is free, confidential, and available help 24/7. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “BEFREE” to 233733.
Career Planning
Your future looks super bright!
Finishing school is your foundation. Start with the School & Your Future section to understand your rights, graduation options, and scholarship opportunities, then use the tools below to begin planning your career path.
Here are some practical tools to explore careers, training, and next steps. If you don’t know where to start, begin with My Texas Future:
My Texas Future-Create a free account to explore high-demand careers, compare salaries, and see which Texas colleges and training programs you may already qualify for.
Texas OnCourse-Use this free Texas college and career planning tool to build a personalized plan based on your strengths and interests. It complements My Texas Future by helping you think through goals, readiness steps, and finances as you map your next moves. Tip: Look for programs with flexible schedules, online options, or shorter certifications that allow you to earn income sooner while continuing your education later.
Texas Career Check-Use this Texas career explorer to see what jobs pay, how much training you’ll need, and how many openings there are; you can compare options and pick careers that match your interests and family goals. Tip: Try searching for jobs you’re interested in to see what training or education they require next.
My Next Move-Start here to explore careers by interest and see what tasks, training, and growth opportunities different jobs involve. A great way to match your strengths with real-world work that makes sense for you and your future. Tip: Try searching jobs you’re curious about to see how they match your interests and what steps you might take next.
Texas Reality Check-Use this tool to see the real cost of living for different lifestyles — including childcare and housing — and compare that with job earnings to help you plan your next steps. Tip: Try entering your own goals (like childcare costs and housing) to see which careers and training programs can realistically support you and your child.
FAQs for Teen Parents
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Yes! Under Title IX, schools must support pregnant and parenting students. You have the right to stay enrolled, make up missed work, and continue your education without discrimination.
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You can apply for Medicaid for Pregnant Women or CHIP Prenatal through YourTexasBenefits.com. Many community clinics and health centers also offer free or low-cost prenatal care, even without insurance.
Remember, even if you’re not approved for Medicaid yet, you can still get care. All you need is proof that you’ve applied, like a confirmation number, email, or screenshot from YourTexasBenefits.com.
Most community clinics and hospitals must see you if you’re pregnant, even if you don’t have insurance or can’t pay yet. If anyone turns you away, ask to speak with a social worker or patient advocate. They. can help make sure you get the care you deserve.
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Yes, and it’s very important for your health and your baby’s health. Most STDs are treatable, and many clinics provide confidential, low-cost testing for teens.
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Programs like Workforce Solutions and Early Head Start can help pay for or provide childcare while you go to school or work. You can also ask your local high school or college if they offer on-site childcare programs for students who are parents.
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Texas moms can get help through WIC, SNAP, local food banks, and diaper banks.
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You’re not alone. Many teen moms feel overwhelmed. You can talk to someone anytime by calling or texting:
988 - Suicide & Crisis Lifelife
1-833-943-5746 - The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
1-833-721-6667 (MOMS) -Save Texas Moms
There is always someone who will listen and help you through it.
Save Texas Girls is part of the Save Texas Moms network—because healthy futures start with healthy beginnings.
Common Questions About STD Testing
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Yes. In fact, it’s very important. Many STD’s can be safely treated during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby.
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Most clinics offer confidential or anonymous testing, even for minors. You can ask before your appointment to be sure.
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Many clinics provide free or low-cost testing, especially if you’re under 18, pregnant, or enrolled in WIC, Medicaid, or CHIP.
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You are not alone, and treatment is available. The clinic will explain the next steps and how to keep you and your baby healthy.
Every decision we make as an organization is shaped by our mission—and YOU.
Did you find the information you’re looking for? Your opinion is important to us. Please share your feedback to help us improve this website and the resources we provide to Texas families.
Guess what? You’ve already done something amazing today by seeking out support.
Advocates, Here’s How to Support Teen Moms
Mental Health & Emotional Well-being
Many teenage girls in Texas are experiencing heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and stress. Factors contributing to this include academic pressures, social media influences, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recommended Focus Areas:
Provide accessible mental health counseling & support groups.
Implement school-based mental health programs.
Offer workshops on coping strategies & resilience building.
Support for Marginalized Communities
Teenage girls from marginalized communities, including refugee populations, face unique challenges. Organizations can provide tailored and much-needed support for these young individuals.
Recommended Focus Areas:
Create safe spaces for marginalized youth.
Develop programs that address specific cultural & social needs.
Engage in community outreach to build trust & awareness.
Access to Reproductive Health Services
Texas has one of the highest repeat birth rates in the U.S., and sexually transmitted diseases are on the rise.
Recommended Focus Areas:
Establish confidential reproductive health clinics.
Improve health equity and patient outcomes by closing the gap between diverse representation among the general population and among healthcare practitioners.
Provide comprehensive sex education programs.
Advocate for policies that protect teen access to reproductive health services.
Combating Gender-Based Violence
Teenage girls are at risk of experiencing various forms of gender-based violence, including domestic abuse and sexual assault.
Recommended Focus Areas:
Implement prevention & education programs.
Provide crisis intervention & counseling services.
Collaborate with law enforcement & legal services to support victims.
Education & Career Development
Economic disparities and limited access to resources can hinder educational and career opportunities for teenage girls. Initiatives must bridge this gap to provide access to digital tools and resources.
Recommended Focus Areas:
Offer STEM & vocational training programs.
Support students’ financial literacy.
Provide mentorship & internship opportunities.
Facilitate college preparation & scholarship assistance.