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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think this is exploitative more than it is shocking?

136 replies

lastnerve · 10/07/2012 13:36

[http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2171070/Britains-youngest-mother-Amy-Crowhurst-insists-getting-pregnant-aged-12-smartest-thing-I-did.html]

A teen mother who was 12 when she had her first is saying how its the best thing she ever did because now she can go clubbing and wear size 6 clothes.

I'm wondering if she know going in how negatively she was going to be portrayed??

I actually feel a bit sorry for her.

OP posts:
solidgoldbrass · 10/07/2012 15:27

Well, hopefully some other pregnant teen out there, or 13 year old with a newborn of her own, might read that and think 'I could make things better for myself, too: my life isnt ruined because I have a baby, there is hope.'

Surely that's the best message. Not 'Bwaaa, look at the ignorant mucky chavs and all their underage shagging.'

lovebunny · 10/07/2012 15:27

She had a one night stand at 12 with a 15 year old, who she "reconciled" with to produce child number two. It's very sad that she doesn't understand how she could have been 'abused' lovebunny. Perhaps that's due to the education point (lack of at the time)? Do you think her mind will change as she gets older?

is that sarcasm? assuming that it isn't...

i know someone who began having sex aged 12, with men in their 20s and 30s. she still (at 30) thinks she 'chose' to do it, though when she talks about it she is clearly describing grooming and systematic sexual abuse by a group of adult men in a small village community - perhaps it is still going on.

that the boy was technically underage doesn't make it any better - its still abusive.

and no, i don't think she'll ever understand - her capacity for understanding seems to have reached its limit.

lastnerve · 10/07/2012 15:28

if she was having sex at 12 someone was abusing her. if she's survived in any way at all that's worthy of regard.

even if it was a both of the same age?? only exploitation if its someone older.

OP posts:
lastnerve · 10/07/2012 15:29

Just read he was 15, hmm where would the law stand on that then?

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 10/07/2012 15:33

illegal news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/special_report/1999/02/99/e-cyclopedia/437789.stm if she was under 13. It is statutory rape and she cannot consent.

MrsTerryPratchett · 10/07/2012 15:34

Fail on the link. I meant to say, it is still illegal. Here

Buttwart · 10/07/2012 15:38

No it wasn't sarcasm.

Thanks lovely.

lastnerve · 10/07/2012 15:41

Hmm wonder if he ever got charged with anything

xoxo

OP posts:
Kayano · 10/07/2012 15:42

Doubt it. Doubt either of them even knew about it being statutory rape

MrsTerryPratchett · 10/07/2012 16:34

Strictly, ignorance of the law is no defense and he could have been charged. The Police and the CPS tend to use their discretion in cases like this. It wouldn't really serve the public interest to have his convicted.

Kayano · 10/07/2012 16:39

I think it would be a bit harsh, they were both underage and bloody irresponsible

Alurkatsoftplay · 10/07/2012 16:39

She's a difficult case for the Daily Mail:
Young mother - BAD
Not fat - GOOD.

Melindaaa · 10/07/2012 16:46

I wonder what proportion of teenage mothers she actually represents. How many stay with the father of the baby? How many ever complete their education? How many ever own their own homes?

Buttwart · 10/07/2012 16:49

She only represents herself melindaa.

She doesn't own a home, dropped out of education and didn't stay with the dad.

Melindaaa · 10/07/2012 16:51

But statistically, she is the 'norm' for a teenage mother. It's a bit of a non story really. Just the DM laughing at another young woman's life.

Buttwart · 10/07/2012 16:53

Is it normal for exceptionally young teenage mothers to think it's the best thing they could have done then? In that respect, it's definitely not a non story!

Melindaaa · 10/07/2012 16:56

I wouldn't go so far as to say most would describe it as the best thing they have ever done, but I bet there aren't many who would go back in time and do things differently.

Mrsjay · 10/07/2012 16:57

you know a poster said along the lines of modern culture it is wrong, but children having children has never been right and in most cultures it is against the law, she was a 12 yr old child It can never be right or accepted as norm ever,

Buttwart · 10/07/2012 16:57

That's quite worrying. It's not teaching the next generation much is it?

Mrsjay · 10/07/2012 16:59

How can a 12 yr old understand staying with her boyfriend most 12 yr olds cant decide what to wear that day this girl seems to have stuck at 12 he reasoning is all wrong no 22 year old speaks like that she is still immature i feel sorry for her,

cantspel · 10/07/2012 17:03

she is only 22 yet looks a good 10 years older.
she has 2 kids by 16both form a one night stand even if it was with the same bloke.
she has 2 children who dont have a relationship with their father.
she has a conviction for drug use and was evicted from her first house for having drug parties.
she dropped out of school at 12 and has no qualifications although she states she wants to go to college but as yet she hasn't started any course.
she thinks being a size 6 and going clubing means she has some how made it in life.
she is not worried if her own daughter gets pregnant at 12 and thinks it would be cool to be a gran by 27
I cant see any posative spin on this story.

OutragedAtThePriceOfFreddos · 10/07/2012 17:05

There is no positive message at all to be taken from this article. It's a horrible story and the DM/Closer magazine are both irresponsible for printing it.

There is nothing positive about children having children. She might be happy, but her children deserve a mother who is old enough to be a mother, and parents who can provide for them.

Melindaaa · 10/07/2012 17:10

I wonder how much of the article she actually said. I find it hard to imagine anyone would think it cool to be a gran at 27. But there are worse things that can happen than to become a teenage mum. Of course it isn't desirable, but they don't ALL have to end up in social housing with no education and a criminal record.

Mrsjay · 10/07/2012 17:12

they all DONT end up with a criminal record and no education she was 12 11 when she had sex maybe she wasnt exactly the typical teen mum she was a little girl ,

blisterpack · 10/07/2012 17:14

Actually I can't think of a worse fate for a 12 year old. Well there are some, but not many.