Why is Jenna a Teen Mother? Conceptions and Misconceptions

Young mothers are depicted in the literature as inept parents whose poor decisions and risky behavior lead to early and unprotected sex, a poorly timed birth, and adverse outcomes. This risky conception of teen mothering emerged in the 1970s as social scientists, policy makers, and advocacy groups embraced theories and assumptions of deviance that blame young mothers for jeopardizing their future and their child's well-being. This individualistic framing of young mothering is increasingly debunked by innovative well-designed studies over the last 3 decades. A hypothetical teenage couple is presented to highlight the limitations of the risky conception and to argue for its replacement. The Reproductive Justice movement challenges the individualistic framework by highlighting the socioeconomic conditions that contribute to teen births and health and social disparities among marginalized women and their children. Policies that rectify these conditions are required.