Can my cousin (15 yrs) travel to Africa without her parents?

Help! My cousin is having a baby....[read]?

• I am almost 15. She is 19. We live 2 hours away [but we travel up that way like twice a month or more because that's the only place close with malls and movie theatres etc].. and her parents are seperated. She has had a rough life.. her step-dad got into alot of trouble and not her mom is with another man. She is living with my grandma in a small 1 bedroom home with her boyfriend and my grandma&her 'partner' barely have enough money to live. I didn't think my cousin would be like this - when she started going out with this guy, she started smoking, doesn't have a job at the moment and now she is pregnant. Her boyfriend has a bad reputation. No one likes him [well, I don't, and my family&her family don't!] I wish I could help her somehow. I feel bad. I know it has nothing to do with me but she's my first cousin and I love her... I always used to look up to her.. She is funny, pretty. and has a great personality. What should/can I do, anything? Any tips or advice? Thanks.. I feel bad for her. I don't see her much but I miss her and wish we were closer. I really wish I lived closer and got to see her more, she is a really sweet girl :] She graduated last year and unfortunately, didn't go to college.

• Answer:

  You can support her by calling her and keeping in touch. Also, just letting her know you are there for her. No judgment about her pregnancy the boyfriend is necessary. Whatever her options, you can help her to make an informed decision about what she can do wit the baby by reading up on her options, keeping baby, adoption etc.and letting her know she has choices. You can help yourself by not letting what has happened to your cousin happen to you. Being a good freind means listening so call her and be there when she needs to vent about what is going on in her life.