But were her comments really to the mother at all, or to the participants in the forum who she felt were viewing a young pregnancy in a way she didn't agree with?
I don't think this discussion included the young mother at all, not even close - it sounded very third hand - 'someone she knows'. I think the issue was more about views on young pregnancy that the OP was uncomfortable with.
about how some 16 year old she knows lost her baby at 34 weeks gestation.
I don't say it's always the case, but many of these 'someone she knows' are things read about on the internet blogs or chats. I don't always assume the association is so very close.
I think these discussions often take off from the situation of 'someone who knows someone', and really are a lot more about values than about an individual person.
I feel I wouldn't encourage or exactly 'welcome' a young pregnancy. But if I could, I would help the person.
16 is the age at which many states, a teen can marry, make medical decisions for herself, and is at least legally, considered an adult. But a baby at that age means se*ual activity at 15, maybe younger. And I hate to say it but many young mothers are rather younger than that. Does your point of view change when the mom is much younger than 16?
Is it a good thing to have a baby when very young? I think it is very hard on the mother and the child. Everyone I know who has faced the situation has faced many trials and the judgement of others, as well as many practical problems - finances, education.
It is a hard road - but when it is someone you love, you walk it with them in whatever ways, big or small, that you can. To throw them into the street - I couldn't do it.
One of the places we give away extra eggs to, is a home for homeless pregnant teens. It's a tough way to grow up.