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I've watched a lot of 16 and Pregnant - who hasn't? I've watched it with my roommates, with my boyfriend, and even with pregnant teenagers. Even though every story is basically the same, I can't turn it off. This is partly because it beats Bravo reruns of The Real Housewives, but the other major appeal is that it gives me feminist food for thought. So, in a somewhat disjointed list, here are my thoughts on MTV's 16 and Pregnant
1. While we always get enough back story on the mom-to-be, the father-to-be, and what their lives were like pre-baby, I hate that the story isn't presented within the context of contraception failure! If the teens address their understanding of contraception or general sex health knowledge, it is usually only in passing.
2. Abortion? Sma-smortion? It is almost never mentioned. While these women are free to choose to carry their pregnancies to term and I respect their decision, I wonder why MTV hasn't documented someone considering abortion. Is there an episode in which this happens that I've missed? Let me know in the comments.
3. The reunion specials really bother me because Dr. Drew does all the talking - literally, he never lets them get a word in! And I think the show actually does serve the women well in the sense that it gives them a voice, the reunion specials do not provide the same opportunity. Instead, they just let the host do all of the talking.
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