MTV’s 16 and Pregnant
June 09, 2009 12:13:00
by Karina
Web Editor
Planned Parenthood Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota Action Fund
Did you know that the US has the highest teen pregnancy rate in the industrialized world? That 30% of teenage girls in the US will become pregnant at least once before the age of 20? How about that less than 50% of teen moms will graduate from high school and less than 2% will obtain a college degree? (Stats via stayteen)
Teen pregnancy is a huge issue in the US. And a new series from MTV, 16 and Pregnant, will attempt to document the trials and tribulations of being a pregnant teen.
Via stayteen:
Each story offers a unique look into the wide variety of challenges pregnant teens face: marriage, adoption, religion, gossip, finances, rumors among the community, graduating high school, getting (or losing) a job. Faced with incredibly adult decisions, these girls are forced to sacrifice their teenage years and their high school experiences. But there is an optimism among them; they have the dedication to make their lives work, and to do as they see fit to provide the best for their babies.
While many past efforts to document the teenage pregnancy issue have fallen flat, I have high hopes for this series. With MTVs knack for storytelling that connects to its audience and its issue-expert partners for the series, the Kaiser Family Foundation and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, I hope the series will accurately illuminate the complexities and challenges of teenage pregnancy. Additionally, the National Campaign has prepared discussion guides for the show so that the show acts as a platform for parents, teachers, and other adults to have open, honest discussions about teen pregnancy with the teens in their lives.
The series premieres at 9PM Central on MTV.
If you happen to see it, come back and leave a comment—- let us know what you thought about it!
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