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In a previous post I wrote about the story line on the ABC Soap One Life to Live which involves a pregnant teenager. Since I watch this soap on a pretty regular basis anyways, I have been following the story. It has turned in a direction that I did not expect.
First of all, they have done a really good job at making this story line seem as real possible. Of course, since it is a soap opera, there are those crazy things that happen in soaps in the background, but if you look at the reactions of feelings of Starr (the character that is pregnant) they have been very realistic.
I honestly expected this character to have an abortion. I just figured that is where they (the writers) would take this story but instead Starr is now considering adoption. According to head writer Ron Carlivati, they actually spoke with a teen mother who made an adoption plan in order to make the story seem as realistic as possible.
“We actually spoke to a Mother who was in a very similar situation to Starr’s and made this decision to choose adoption shares head writer Ron Carlivati. Hearing her story, why she made the decision, and felt it was what was best was a big help in framing the story.
In the case of Starr considering adoption, nothing has been more helpful to the shows top scribe than the woman who described her own experiences in this matter.” From ABC Soaps In Depth
It appears that Starr is considering open adoption as she has asked a lady that she already knows if she and her husband would consider adopting her baby. Of course, since it is a soap opera, this lady has a checkered past and is not exactly a great candidate for an adoptive mother in my opinion but it is a soap.
At least they are getting the feelings and language right at this point.
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Related Posts:
Teen Pregnancy on Television
Teen Pregnancy Storyline in ABC Soap Opera
Teen Pregnancy in the News
What they should show on the soap is an older birthmother who is a respected member of the community who risks all to come out of the closet and tells her story, including her lifetime of regret, to Starr. They should show Starr finding out about resources that are available to her or Starr’s parents should offer to help.
Actually, shows do a semi-decent job at portraying the pre-relinquishment emotions in a decent manner. It’s the post-relinquishment time that they seem to totally ignore.
Thomasina,
Starr’s Mom is supportive and has told her she will stand behind her in whatever decision she makes, support her, etc. Starr’s Grandmother is over the moon, looking at baby clothes, etc. Starr’s Father doesn’t know – long drawn out soap story there.
The Father of Starr’s child is not for adoption at this point and spoke with someone about his rights on the show the other day.
Jenna, good point!