Save Texas Girls—Teen Pregnancy Support & Parent Resources

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.

Becoming a mother as a teenager can feel overwhelming, but Save Texas Moms is here to provide you with resources, guidance, and encouragement every step of the way. This page is specifically for young moms balancing school, family, and new responsibilities while caring for themselves and their babies.

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

    Need someone to talk to? Save Texas Moms is here for you. Reach out anytime.

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)

  • Diaper Banks (find help on STM’s Diaper Support page)

  • Food Banks (find help on STM’s Food Support page)

  • In Texas, a baby is born to a teen mother every ~25 minutes.

    Healthy Futures of Texas, 2024

  • The teen birth rate in Texas is about 20.3 births per 1,000 females aged 15-19, which is approximately 46% higher than the U.S. teen birth rate of 13.9 per 1,000.

    Healthy Futures of Texas, 2023

  • Among all births in Texas in 2019-2020, around 6% were to teen mothers ages 15-19.

    The Texas Tribune, 2022

  • For girls ages 13-17 in the Texas foster care system, the one-year pregnancy rate is 5.7%, compared with 1.3% for all girls the same age in Texas.

    Texans Care for Children, 2018

  • Texas has one of the highest rates of repeat teen births in the U.S. (i.e., teens who already have at least one child when they're still under age 20).

    The Texas Tribune, 2022

  • In Texas, more than 50% of high schools teach abstinence-only sex education. That means that they tell you that the best way to avoid pregnancy is not to have sex.

    Texas Adoption Center, 2020

FAQs

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

    Find free testing near you.

  • 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.

  • Texas moms can get help through WIC, SNAP, local food banks, and diaper banks.

    Find your nearest WIC office.

  • 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.

Pregnant teen resting her hands on her belly, symbolizing prenatal health and pregnancy care resources in Texas.

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.

Teen mom studying on a laptop beside her baby, representing education and school support for young mothers in Texas.

School & Your Future

Your dreams don’t stop become you’re a mom. They become bigger!

You have the right to finish school and keep planning for college or a career. These programs can help you stay in class, graduate, and reach your goals.

Young mother smiling and holding her baby, representing parenting and childcare support for teen moms.

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.

Young mother braiding her daughter's hair at home, symbolizing financial stability and family support for Texas teen moms.

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.

Pregnant teen sitting and using her phone, showing emotional and peer support available for young mothers in Texas.

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.org for local connections

  • Find mentors who have been there, too!

    1. The Texas Parent Helpline can help you establish a support system and find resources

  • School-based mental health program

    1. 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

    1. 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.

    2. 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.

A woman in a dark shirt holding a white mug that says "Like a Boss," symbolizing confidence and career empowerment.

Career Planning

Your future looks super bright!

Here are some quick and practical tools to explore careers, training, and your future goals.

Common Questions About STD Testing

  • Yes. In fact, it’s very important. Many STD’s can be safely treated during pregnancy to protect both you and your baby.

  • Most clinics offer confidential or anonymous testing, even for minors. You can ask before your appointment to be sure.

  • Many clinics provide free or low-cost testing, especially if you’re under 18, pregnant, or enrolled in WIC, Medicaid, or CHIP.

  • You are not alone, and treatment is available. The clinic will explain the next steps and how to keep you and your baby healthy.

Scholarship!

*

Scholarship! *

St. David’s Foundation is now accepting applications for the Neal Kocurek Scholarship program. As the largest healthcare scholarship in Texas, students can receive funding and guidance throughout their academic journey. In addition to financial support, Kocurek Scholars have access to a range of emotional and educational resources, including free mental health counseling, tutoring options, professional mentorship, and a close-knit community of peers. The deadline to apply is January 2, 2026.

Learn More
Two young women talking outdoors, one with dark curly hair and a backpack, the other with braided hair and gold earrings, against a background of a modern building and some trees.

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.

Two young women with long hair wearing sunglasses, resting their heads on their hands, posing outdoors in black and white.

Guess what? You’ve already done something amazing today by seeking out support.