Dear Panel,

I am a 16-year-old female and I feel that I am old enough to make my own decisions about what I do with my body.

My boyfriend is 18. He is a kind, respectful person who has never treated me with anything but the utmost respect and consideration.

My mother and stepfather did approve of us dating but now are making threats to keep us apart.

We Knew We'd End Up Together

I have known this boy since I was 10. I have always known that in one way or another, somehow we would end up together. We have always been friends but we haven't always been mature and that is why it is only just now that we are pursuing a relationship together.

We Had Sex And They Found Out

We have been together for about 4 months and began to be sexually active after 5 weeks. He is the only person I have ever been with and my mother found out about us having sex and she now wants to file statutory rape charges against him and send me to boot camp.

I feel that this is very unfair and I am so much in love with him and I am so scared she is actually going to do this. She says I am stupid for having sex and she will not let it continue.

Isn't It My Choice?

But I am happy with him and I and after all, isn't it my body my choice? I am ultimately going to be the one to live with any decisions I make regarding my body 10 and 20 years from now. Shouldn't I be the one to make those decisions? Please, please help me.

What should I do to prove to my mom that I am ready and that it is my decision?

Female, age 16, Washington

Morticia, Indigo, and Sara answer this question.