Sarah Palin and her daughter, Bristol Palin, discouraged teenage pregnancy in a statement posted on the Alaska governor’s website today.
Bristol Palin gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on December 27. Her mother initially declined to comment, but the women issued the following statement.
Bristol Palin said she “obviously discourages” teen pregnancy and knows that plans she previously made for herself will now forever be changed. “Teenagers need to prevent pregnancy to begin with ? this isn’t ideal. But I’m fortunate to have a supportive family which is dealing with this together. Tripp is so perfectly precious; we love him with all our hearts. I can’t imagine life without him now.”
Sarah Palin explained her reaction when she first heard the news about the pregnancy.
“When Bristol and Levi first told us the shocking news that she was pregnant, to be honest, we all at first looked at the situation with some fear and a bit of despair. Isn’t it just like God to turn those circumstances into such an amazing, joyful blessing when you ask Him to help you through?”
Palin lauded her daughter and the baby’s father, Levi Johnston, saying they will continue high school courses.
“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Palin said. “The road ahead for this young couple will not be easy, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. Bristol and Levi are committed to accomplish what millions of other young parents have accomplished, to provide a loving and secure environment for their child. They are both hard workers, they’re very strong, and have faith they’ve made the right decision in setting aside their own interests to make this child their highest priority.”