MTV's 16 and Pregnant - a Hard-Hitting Show Worth Watching at Least Once

I watched the MTV show 16 and Pregnant for the first time today. I have to give it to MTV - as much as some adults accuse the network of glorifying sex and being responsible for incalculable teenage debauchery, 16 and Pregnant is a cautionary show if there ever was one.

16 and Pregnant follows high school girls that have gotten pregnant as they go throughout their daily lives up to and after the delivery of their children. At no time is teenage pregnancy glorified. The girls in this show are very clearly concerned about what other people their age think of them. Likewise, a lot of time is spent considering things such as the cost of caring for a baby and living arrangements. In a similar vein, the girls on 16 and Pregnant often lament the experiences they are missing, such as spending time with their friends or even prom. 16 and Pregnant is as realistic a look at modern teenage pregnancy as can be had in an hour.

I truly believe that showing 16 and Pregnant in health classes would do a lot to curb unprotected teenage sexual activity. The show is brutal. I cringed a lot as I watched it. Seeing a girl of 17 being told that she has to have pregnancy induced unexpectedly and that she has to do it that very night is a heart wrenching experience. Watching this girl try to figure out when she's going to be able to get her GED and go to college is difficult. Witnessing a real estate agent having to tell this girl and her boyfriend that they just won't be able to rent their own apartment with their income is deflating. I think both health teachers and parents of teenagers would do well to watch an episode of 16 and Pregnant with their students or children and have a frank discussion about sexuality.

So yeah, 16 and Pregnant is really really hard to watch. I think even some adults would have a difficult time sitting through an episode. But at the same time, it's a captivating show and one that could potentially reduce the incidence of teenage pregnancy in the long run. I'd recommend watching an episode, even if you feel like you have to turn away from time to time.

Have you seen 16 and Pregnant? If so, what did you think? Feel free to share your thoughts in the form of a comment. Thank you for reading!