Sarah Palin Speaks Out on the Birth of Her Grandson Tripp, Teen Pregnancy

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Jan 1, 2009   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Sarah Palin Speaks Out on the Birth of Her Grandson Tripp, Teen Pregnancy

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
January 1
, 2009

Washington, DC (LifeNews.com) — Former vice-presidential candidate and Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin is speaking out for the first time on the birth of her new grandson. Palin’s daughter Bristol disclosed her pregnancy shortly after she was named as John McCain’s running mate and it sparked a national debate on abortion and teen pregnancy.

Palin says she welcomes her first grandchild, Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston, born to Bristol and her fiance’ Levi Johnston on December 27.

“We are over the moon with the arrival of this healthy, beautiful baby,” Governor 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," the governor said in a statement LifeNews.com obtained.

Palin also responded to criticism that somehow she or her daughter failed because of Bristol’s teen pregnancy.

Instead of getting an abortion, Bristol and Levi decided to keep the baby and have been supported by Palin and her family.

“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?”

Bristol Palin also commented and 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," the young Palin said.

Bristol begins her final semester of high school next week where she’ll get her last credit needed to graduate. She looks forward to continuing her record of good grades and high achievement.

Levi is continuing his online high school work in addition to working as an electrical apprentice on the North Slope.

Bill McAllister, the governor’s office communications director, talked about why the Palins decided to release a statement after initially declining media requests for comment following Tripp’s birth.

"The governor’s office previously declined to comment to honor the family’s wishes that the event remain as private as possible. However, the high volume of press inquiries, along with some erroneous information that was published, prompted the governor to make a statement," he said.

Palin faces re-election in 2010 and is considered a top Republican presidential prospect in 2012 against Barack Obama when the pro-abortion incoming president is expected to run for re-election.

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