AITA for not agreeing to house my pregnant teenage sister and her delinquent boyfriend after our parents disowned her?

Family loyalty is complicated, especially when the people you love make decisions that leave you torn between helping them and holding them accountable for their actions. What happens when you’ve sacrificed everything for a sibling, only to watch them throw away the opportunities you never had?

That’s the painful dilemma one young woman faced when her 16-year-old sister—who had every chance for a better life—ended up pregnant by her delinquent boyfriend. Now homeless and desperate, she’s begging for a place to stay. But is it fair to take responsibility for someone who refused to listen when it mattered most?

‘AITA for not agreeing to house my pregnant teenage sister and her delinquent boyfriend after our parents disowned her?’

Expert Analysis:

Teen Pregnancy: A Wake-Up Call, Not a Death Sentence

Teen pregnancy rates have declined in recent years, but the challenges remain immense. According to the CDC, teen mothers are less likely to finish high school and more likely to struggle financially. The support they receive from family plays a huge role in their future stability.

In this case, the younger sister had every advantage—financial stability, education, and a support system—but still made choices that led to a difficult reality. Now, the question isn’t just about helping her, but about ensuring she takes responsibility for her situation.

Should Older Siblings Be Responsible?

There’s a common expectation that older siblings must step in when their younger siblings mess up. But is that always fair? Dr. Joshua Coleman, a psychologist specializing in family dynamics, explains that “parentified children—those who took on excessive responsibility for their siblings—often struggle with resentment and burnout in adulthood.”

OP already spent years sacrificing for her sister. Now, as a young adult herself, she has to draw the line somewhere. Taking in a pregnant teenager and her unreliable boyfriend isn’t just emotionally draining—it’s practically impossible given her living situation.

What Are Her Options?

While OP might not be able to house her sister, that doesn’t mean all support has to be cut off. There are shelters and resources specifically designed for young pregnant women, including organizations like Teen Pregnancy & Parenting Support (TPPS) and Planned Parenthood that offer counseling, housing assistance, and medical care. (source)

Encouraging her to seek these resources would allow OP to offer guidance without jeopardizing her own stability.

Here’s what Redditors had to say about OP’s situation:

Most users agreed that while it’s heartbreaking, OP is not obligated to take in her sister, especially given the circumstances. Many also pointed out that their parents should step up rather than abandoning their daughter entirely.

Helping family is one thing, but enabling bad decisions is another. OP’s sister is facing the consequences of her choices, and while support is important, it shouldn’t come at the expense of OP’s own future.

What do you think? Should OP offer more help, or is she right to set this boundary? Let us know in the comments!