Yesterday we posted a story from both In Touch and Star Magazine that claimed that 20 year-old Teen Mom star, Amber Portwood, was pregnant with what would be her second baby. Amber has a history of lashing out at her ex boyfriend, her baby’s father Gary Shirley, and is under investigation for felony domestic abuse. She’s also a neglectful mother who pays very little attention to her two year old daughter Leah, as is documented on the show. The thought of this girl having another baby launched a very interesting discussion in the comments on sex ed in school and teen responsibility. I really enjoyed reading about your experiences and thoughts on this issue, and was so impressed by some of the things you wrote. (Props to OnceWas, MSat, and Shannon just to name a few.)
The good news is that Amber has announced that she is not, in fact, pregnant for whatever reason. It’s unclear whether she was pregnant and chose termination or if she was never pregnant this time. She just says that she’s not pregnant and that the “rumors are absolutely false.” So, did she cook up this story to land a tabloid cover at a crucial time for her career? It’s possible. Teen Mom 2 is coming with a whole new crop of girls from 16 and Pregnant, (they’re on the cover of US Weekly this week) and Amber could soon be forgotten. If only.
Teen Mom star Amber Portwood is slamming two new tabloid claims that she’s expecting her second child.
“The rumors are absolutely false. I’m not pregnant,” Portwood, 20, tells UsMagazine.com in a statement.
“I’m working hard to be the best mom to my daughter,” she adds of Leah, her 2-year-old with ex-fiance Gary Shirley. “I have no plans to have more kids anytime soon.”
After several weeks of living apart, little Leah was reunited with her mom Dec. 6 at Portwood’s new home in Anderson, Ind. (Portwood’s former home had been besieged with photographers and curious neighbors.)
Portwood “is so excited to have Leah back!” a source told Us.
[From US Weekly]
This just shows how irresponsible it is to make teen motherhood into the subject of a reality show. For as much of a cautionary tale that “Teen Mom” can be, it’s also making some very troubled dysfunctional mothers into young stars. At least in Amber’s case her daughter is getting more care and attention that she probably would without the cameras. I feel for that little girl.
Amber is not only a crappy mom, she’s also driving under the influence. She was pulled over yesterday for weaving all over and while she passed a field sobriety test it was obvious that she’s on way too much “medication.” Cops cited her for driving with a suspended license.
I had this whole story written and ready to publish when Radar posted a new story that Amber allegedly attacked Gary on Tuesday night for trying to win her back with flowers and texts while romancing another woman on the side. Amber befriended the other woman to see if there was anything going on between her and Gary, and when she found out there was she went over to Gary’s house and hit Gary and got up in his other girlfriend’s face. I thought Amber had a new boyfriend, that Clinton Yunker guy, but maybe she’s just as hot and cold with him as she is with Gary. This woman needs to get supervised visits with her daughter. She’s not fit to be with Leah alone.
Amber is shown handing Leah off her her mom (Leah’s grandmother) on 12/11/10. Gary is shown with Leah on 12/10. Credit: Fame Pictures
I’m not too keen on seeing the photos of that girl posted everywhere. Amber signed up for having her life all over the internet. The baby did not. It’s a little creepy.
How adorable is she!! How is it that someone as vile as her mother is now a reality star and has the paps following her around!! What a sick society we live in to glamorize someone like that! That poor little girl!!
Gotta agree with Masonwasp. I hate to see kids exploited like that. I mean, just look at the Gosselin kids…
I wish they would stop with these horrible reality shows, especially the ones that glorify teen pregnancy. That’s just irresponsible programming and undoubtedly there are some girls dumb enough to deliberately get pregnant with the hopes that they’ll be the next ones on TV.
send her to Boot Camp like they do with “out of control teens” on the Maury show.
it’s amazing what a week or so of that does to people’s perceptions of their lives.
I commented quite a while back that show by definition is dangerous and I got a whole rash of shit from people. I’d like to see some studies showing how this show actually serves to reduce the number of teen pregnancies. Anyone???
This show (and 16 and Pregnant) scared ME away from having a baby, and I’m way past my teenage years.
Of course, I also didn’t have a child in my teen years, so what do I know?
This chick’s face is unfortunate. Does she let Leah do her make-up?
have absolutely no interest in the new teen mom or 16 & preggers.
there was just ‘that something’ about these particular four that was a good watch.
gary should get some type of restraining order against amber…outrageous that she is still hitting him & supervised visitation with leah @ the very least.
Little Leah is so precious! I want to find her and bring her to live at my house. She can share a room with my little girl. She won’t get to be on TV, but she can have plenty of hugs and the World’s Best Macaroni and Cheese (according to my son).
This show shouldn’t even exist. And that baby should be placed for adoption. That would be her only hope.
Amber needs to rethink those eyebrows.
the little girl is absolutely beautiful.
I agree, the show should not exist, the show just perpetuates a growing problem in the US.
Her daughter is adorable, and needs a stable loving home. Preferably with a small white fluffy doggie who ADORES children.
I’m with Guesty. The original girls had something special. I like watching them, though I think Amber needs to be in a psych ward, and that Farrah needs parenting classes (i know she’s improved but still)
Leah is a beautiful little girl. It is so sad that mothers like Kate and Amber get these gifts and care about fame and celebrity more. It’s sick and they both are mental cases. There kids don’t stand a chance.
On november, 23, 2010 I was induced to deliver a sleeping baby. My daughter had died three days prior due to placenta abruption….It makes me angry that someone like this who doesn’t care or love her child was allowed to keep her baby, honestly it really pi$$es me off!
I admit I had to blush at being given “props” by the writer of this article! *shy eyes*
I’ve been looking back at the photos today, and Leah really is a beautiful little girl, and she has one of the sweetest little faces I’ve ever seen! I wish nothing but the very best in life for her.
@BrandyMC – I’m so sorry for your loss, and I can definitely understand your anger. {{hugz}}
Sure, she’s stable enough to get this baby back..
Send her to an institution. She needs serious help.
So, please, start in on me again about how these 2 shows don’t glamorise teen pregnancy. I’m waiting…
@BrandyMc –
I too am very sorry for your loss. You are so right, their are so many people that are really desperate to have children, but cannot for whatever reason, and then you have someone like Amber, who obviously doesn’t give a shit about baby Leah. This chick should have her tubes permanently tied, because she is a disgusting excuse for a ‘mom’
Oh, BrandyMc, my heart breaks for you and your precious daughter. I wish I could bring you some comfort. Please know that you will be in my prayers and thoughts.
I watch this girl destroy her life week after week (I have a sick obsession with these shows) and I have to say that being the product of a teen parent the greatest gift I got was the VERY frequent reminders of how hard it is to be young and have children, a gift that Amber and her mother need to share with that sweet little girl. My mom and dad did me that favor and I am currently in my 30’s without children because I’m not ready yet. She needs to stop the cycle of poverty, teen pregnancy, and poor decision making.
BTW, is it just me or is that kid already messed up? I notice that she’s more irritable and agitated when there is not screaming and yelling in the household. She seemed at ease whenever Gary and Amber were fighting, and upset when things were quiet.
MTV most likely put the story out there to promote the new season. Pretty sleazy.
@BrandyMC I’m so sorry for what you went through and your great loss, I hope in the future your family grows and is happy and healthy!
This poor child is used like a prop on stage. The only good thing is that you are right, because of the cameras the little girl is receiving more attention. However I really don’t like the mother and think that show is a horrible message to send young girls!
of course it glamorizes teen pregnancy -you really don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see that. this twit is on TV, on gossip boards, and getting attention, not to mention paid. isn’t that why many teen girls have kids, to get attention? of course the attention goes away after the kid is here and then you’re just stuck at home with a toddler, trying to finish high school and trying to get your lame boyfriend to pay child support.
this show is just a small part; in our society women who choose to be childless are looked at as “selfish” and “abnormal” (i know, i’ve been called both) while women who have kids are presumed to be normal and healthy. there is a huge industry for kid-related gizmos and each is marketed as sweet, cuddly, and mandatory; if parents don’t get their kids every overpriced damn thing they are bad parents. mothers are told (subliminally, of course) they should be glowing, madonna-like beings, and if they express any disappointment in parenthod they are bad. even the celebrity “baby bump” watches and the articles about how to lose your baby weight in 3 weeks elevate pregnancy to a whole new level of insanity: not only do you need to have a baby but you must love every second of your drug free birth and then look hot immediately afterward. sometimes i feel like women can’t win no matter what we choose.
i believe that sex education should be mandatory in high school, and i do think abstinence should be presented in those classes as a valid option. but all the sex ed. in the world won’t work as long as we keep glamorizing motherhood and making it look so attractive for unhappy, lonely teenage girls.
sorry about the rant, it’s just a subject i feel strongly about.
I was a teen mom and I never, ever thought of acting like this girl does. She is a mom and she should be putting her daughter first and foremost. But she continues to act like a 7 year old who isn’t getting her way. She throws fits for crying out loud. What do you think happens behind closed doors when the cameras aren’t on? What do you think happens to little Leah then? I shudder to think about it.
@Original Kate, part of the problem (IMHO) is that mot sex ed classes only teach about abstinence. I was never taught how to use a condom, nor are the easily made accessible. They are under lock and key in many stores near me.
I even got a pharmacist who made a rue remark to me when i ask hi to get me a box once (i was 19 at the time).
These kids shouldn’t be having sex, but they will anyway. We need to make sure thy have the knowledge and access to things to keep themselves safe and not pregnant.
Thee have been studies, and they have found that in areas with comprehensive sex ed there are lest teen pregnancies. but in the bible belt, where it is highly religious and abstinence only is the only education, there are more. (not to judge anyone who lives there, or anyone’s beliefs).
I think 16 & pregnant was great, it doesn’t glamorize it. watch these girls get kicked out of their homes, try to finish school and everything else. Amber is a bad example of these girls.
Original Kate et all are 100% correct:
The show completely glamorizes teen pregnancy. Those saying it doesnt werent pregnant at 16 and offered a quick buck from a major network!!! A 16 yr old handed money and fame by MTV would think it was cool to be pregnant. We arent talking about educated or privileged girls here people.
MTV is totally irresposible airing this show & i wont watch or support anything MTV does until this show is off the air.
There is a big backlash of people really pissed off about this show. MTV will be forced by its advertisers to shut it down after another season or so im sure.
I don’t know what else to say that hasn’t been said, except that guilt-tripping rarely makes for effective parenting.
BrandyMC – So sorry to hear of your loss. It’s a sick cosmic joke that the women who are ready and willing to put another life ahead of their own are denied the opportunity, while the spoiled and selfish continue to spawn. I hope that, when you’re ready, you can try again – the world needs more smart, compassionate mothers like you.
@ obvious: i don’t think you read my post correctly – i am not saying only teach abstinence, but to not even bring it into the debate is foolish. not all teens will have sex, and if abstinence keeps one girl from getting pregnant than it’s worth it. for the record i think birth control should also be taught in schools, and i think the nurse’s office should have condoms. we CAN teach both birth control and abstinence, and we should, along with self-esteem, goal setting, etc.
as far as glamorizing pregnancy, if these girls weren’t pregnant they wouldn’t be on TV. read into that what you will.
Thanks for the shoutout 🙂 sex education is a subject I’ve become very passionate about after lots of research and a 15 page paper.
@ Original Kate you’re totally right. A true comprehensive program teaches that while abstinence is the only way to prevent STD’s and pregnancy 100%, teens that do decide to become sexually active should be armed with the knowledge to protect themselves. This respects all viewpoints, while making sure everyone knows how human bodies and contraceptives work. It’s not like kids who do plan to be abstinent until marriage don’t need to know about contraception – not all married people want to have unprotected sex either. Family planning is important for everyone.
Anyway, I hope Amber gets the help she so clearly needs. And better meds, because the ones she’s on are definitely not working.
I agree, Original Kate.
There’s nothing wrong with teaching Abstinence as an option. But the problem lies in ONLY teaching that, because even people who start out believing that’s the proper method to go by aren’t exempt from hormones and temptation, and of course being a idiot teen who makes an impulse decision.
Both abstinence & safe sex should be taught. And really, like you mention, even the idea of pregnancy has been ‘glamorized’ lately. Celebrities appearing airbrushed as insanely as usual, but while pregnant, making even that look like ‘perfection’. Then appearing in bikinis 2 weeks after delivery looking ‘perfect’ again. All of this mess is really having an effect on women.
But I really hope that this girl ISNT pregnant. I can’t believe that Gary would be trying to get BACK with her? She’s a monster who needs major counselling, and certainly shouldn’t be left alone with Leah. I can’t believe the court system has intervened, and yet is still allowing this to go on.
Wasn’t she on Facts of Life?
Thank you everyone…Yes we are trying again, not in the since that we are trying to replace her, but we really want a baby bad. As far as Amber and Farrah both are concerned that do not need children. They both are not mature enough to put a child’s needs before their own. They still act like children themselves and all they care about is amber and farrah. Catelynn is the only one of the “moms” that I think was actually mature enough and made a wonderful decsion for her child. I am not a huge Macy fan either.
Tanning just makes some people look like they need a bath.
@Shannon: Thanks for not forgetting that Amber needs help in this too. No doubt she was raised in an emotionally impoverished environment and sex is perhaps the only way she knows to make a ‘loving’ connection with anyone. And others more thoughtful than I have pointed out the various reasons why she may ‘forget’ to use birth control (or not – it seems we are getting two stories here).
To save the child you must first save the mother. I am truly appalled at the lack of understanding for this I have seen on this blog. Amber will forever be Leah’s mother – for better or for worse.
I agree with everyone else. I’ve done some fairly extensive research into this for a child development class, and all the data I’ve seen from the US, Canada, and Europe *strongly* suggest that comprehensive sex ed, starting around middle school, is the way to go.
Teens are going to have sex, especially when you tell them they can’t. Go ahead and preach abstinence all you want, but for the love of humanity, also make sure your kids know how to put a condom on and have access to birth control.
#9(fabgrrl) and #12(Obvious):
Exactly.
BrandyMC: I’m sending loving thoughts your way.
Twez: A good bath preceded by some serious exfoliant! LOL
i’ve denied it in the past, but at this point i have to admit that this show is not doing ANYTHING positive for adolescent sexual awareness or teen pregnancy rates. it’s sad that something i identified with so strongly and followed so loyally has produced such awful “Teen Mom” role models and churned out a cruddy little batch of wanna-be follow ups for season 2 of Teen Mom.
i’m most ashamed to say i’ll keep watching though…
@Caroline – I just have to ask… even knowing what you’ve stated, how can you continue to support the show (by watching)?
@Crash2go2 – I imagine it’s just very hard to feel any sympathy for Amber, seeing how aggressively abusive she is. Seeing an innocent child being neglected and harmed, and seeing her so openly physically and emotionally abusing Gary (who refused to react with violence, even when he probably should have)… Makes it very difficult to have sympathy, even knowing that it’s likely the result of a vicious cycle. =(
I guess most are more concerned for Leah’s immediate benefit, as opposed to Amber getting treatment. She does need it, but Leah also deserves to grow up safely in the meantime. Which isn’t with Amber.