We’ve had a good mix of responses, thank you.

Some readers emailed, correctly misconceptions they saw in the comments.

CBB readers Zoey, Sabrina, and New Zealander Helen write:

In response to some of the comments, I thought it was important to point out that the legal age of consent in New Zealand is 16, not 18 like in the US. So a 19 yr old dating a 16 yr old would not consititute statuatory rape.

Australian CBB reader Audrey writes:

I am writing in response to some of the comments on the Keisha Castle-Hughes pregnancy announcement, especially those that imply that she has bad parents or that her boyfriend is a criminal.

What concerns me is the lack of contextual understanding and that the discussion was shut down before someone from the same culture could put some things into perspective. Firstly, in indigenous culture, 16 is not by any means a young age to be pregnant. But I am more pressingly distressed at the insinuation that her parents (and his) were neglectful or tacitly approved their engaging in illegal activity. I would think that people mature enough to judge whether someone else is old enough to have a baby, would realize that the law is not always the same in other countries as it is in the United States.

We’re now closing comments for this post.

Although I do think that 16 is really young to be having a baby. My cousin had her son at 15 and while at the time we were devastatd… it was not the end of the world and I wouldn’t change anything about my Dan-Dan being brought into the world. We, her family gave her lots of support and I’m sure this girl will receive the same. She is also more financially well off then most pregnant teens, as well a having been in a relationship longer than most. She is also a “child” actress, which probably means she has more life experience then most 16 year… much like Britney not being your average 23/24 year old due to her profession!

This is such a shame. I know teens can have babies and raise them but teen pregnancy is a shame to me. I’m not trying to be self-righteous, but I find it interesting how the concept of shame has gone out the window. It is not of in this country for 16 year olds to be pregnant. Yes it happens and yes, the baby is a precious gift but 16 years getting pregnant is a sign of serious problems, IMO.

Wow, that’s a bit young! Why the rush? Call me clueless, but if he’s 19 and she’s 16 shouldn’t there be some legal issues here?

if i got pregnant at that age my folks would kill me. hey but who are we to judge.

Aren’t all of these age-related comments considered inflammatory?

Wouldn’t it be inappropriate for someone to comment that a mother is *too old* to be having children? Really- who are we to judge?

Hey it doesn’t matter if anyone thinks she’s too young…she’s already pregnant and every pregnancy is a beautiful thing… despite the circumstances…

Well she is a lot better off than most
other moms in her age group.
She may have family help or hire
a Nanny. 16 Is young but I know plenty of
30 something moms who are not the best parents. Best of luck to her and the father.
Who are we to Judge her?

loved the movie The Whale Rider.

Just because lots of 16 year olds get pregnant doesn’t make it okay. I do with her the best but I also think she’s too young. But, raising a child when you’re 16 HAS been done before, so hopefully she can do it.