When the movie Juno released, there had already been a couple of movies (Knocked Up, Waitress) surrounding the topic of unplanned pregnancies. Juno was special in that it involved a young teenage girl that is quite a realistic character. The main character falls pregnant at 16, and since she feels like she is not ready to take on the responsibilities that come with motherhood, she looks for alternatives. She considers abortion, but eventually settles on adoption. The movie has been criticized for glorifying teen pregnancy. Sarah Jayson’s article “Does ‘Juno’ show strength or glorify teen pregnancy” covers some of the criticisms of the movie. One big criticism was that the movie is unrealistic in that Juno has a very supportive family and that she ends up with the baby’s father. The movie, along with shows such as 16 and Pregnant, are seen as glorifying teen pregnancy to an easily impressionable teenage demographic, and downplaying the challenges facing teenage mothers.

Another article takes a look at the portrayal of abortion seen in Juno and similar movies and television. Writer Amanda Marcotte explains that Hollywood portrayals of abortion make it seem like the typical abortion patient is a white, middle class teen or college student. Referring to statistics, she points out that the “typical” abortion patient is actually a “single mother of color” in her twenties. Also, most women who have abortions are economically disadvantaged, which leads to limited access to contraceptives and a higher rate of abortions. Marcottes inclusion of race within the abortion conversation is quite interesting and an important point to consider.

“Does ‘Juno’ show strength or glorify teen pregnancy?” – Sarah Jyason
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/health/2008-03-09-juno-pregnancy-main_N.htm

“’Juno’ isn’t the average abortion” – Amanda Marcotte
http://www.salon.com/2013/01/22/juno_isnt_the_average_abortion/