Having a baby is "never" acceptable, lol!
It wouldn't matter if you were twelve or if you were fifty, some part of society is ALWAYS going to judge. And I don't think we're singled out, I know at times we probably feel like we are, probably because media and society have given everyone the general perspective that young people shouldn't have children... But I don't think it's just us.
I think the mother's that have babies at thirty probably get told they're only having children because the "clock is ticking", or because they're married and it's obligatory. And mothers that have babies at forty probably get told they're too old for children, and it's not fair on their children as they won't have their parents for a long time, etc. A LOT of the things that get said about ALL different age groups... it's just it, having babies is just "never" acceptable.
I do think that younger couples are often isolated because there is "no acceptable reason" for them to be having babies at that age. I feel as though we get looked down upon because we haven't tried to have a career - I guess people expect we should be contributing to society. And I suppose with so much attention to improve the rate of students finsihing high school these days it is expected that they will continue their studies and 'do something' with their life. What i don't understand is why having children first is such a demise to this plan? I still fully intend on having a fulfilling career, but I wanted my children young so i could enjoy life with them. So I have the energy and vigour to be their soccer coach, to run around with them at the park. You know, I can still go out and get drunk with my kids when they turn eighteen if I want to. I LOVE the close bond I have with my mum from being so close in age, It's like there really isnt much of a generation gap, and I really want to have that sort of relationship with my children. Why should I be judged for that?
At least older couples that get pregnant "late" may have needed to take measures with assisted conception, may not have foudn the right partner or been married, etc. But there definitely is always a reason for anyone of any age to get picked on about their pregnancies and/or decision to have children.
Speaking of married, that's another thing, in this day and age, why is marriage still so important to bringing a child into this world. Don't 50% of marriages fail anyway? Sorry, we have an amazing commitment to one another, being married is not going to change our abilities to raise a child. All it is, is a signature on a piece of paper, a name (husband/wife) and a shiny thing on your finger. Really, what does that say about commitment? Nothing, sorry, i can go to a registrar and get married if I want to, but I don't see the necessity. It is not going to increase the chances of our relationship holding together. We can take vows as a couple without having taken them with marriage. Spending gross amounts of money on a wedding does not ensure you will last. It's a risk you have taken to say, yup, we're sure this is worth it, but commitment is shown in so many other ways.
My personal 'right now' view of commitment is staying with your accidentally pregnant girlfriend you have only been dating for three months.
Gotta love the liners from people when you go and say, Oh, I'm pregnant and they're like, "Is that congratulations then??". Of course it it. If it wasn't congratulations do you think I would be telling you, as if I'd run around willy nilly telling people that I'm pregnant if I'm having doubts about keeping the baby?
Or the inevitable, "so why did you keep it?". That one makes me fume.
I still think that yes, sometimes there are ages that people get pregnant that seems 'unacceptable'. But truly, there are so many cultures in the world that still have arranged marriages and kids popping out kids when they're only eleven years old, that people should be well aware that this is what our bodies are made to do.
Yes Australia does not have that culture, and yes, our life expectancy is a lot longer than some of those other cultures, so we needn't have children so young so as to ensure our ability to, BUT we are also a nation that believes in Freedom of Speech are we not? Is this not an issues that counts under freedom of speech. Freedom to make our own decisions, freedom to live our own lives. I think so.
And just as an add note:
We are also a nation (well maybe only VIC) that legalises sex from the age of 10 years old, with the provision of less than two calendar years difference in age, and from the age of 16 freely. So, yes having babies is a lifestyle choice, but is having sex also?
sweet looks like were both in 2nd year..i so cant wait until this year Holly - is over hehe have you done your first semester placement yet (ours was for ACUTE)? i finished mine last week as i did mine mon & tues for 7wks..i think it worked out better that way as what we learned that week in the skills area we put into practice at the hospital! my placement was in a hospice & so many people hated the thought of going there but i absolutely loved it...its a totally different style of nursing & i think its amazing what they do to make peoples last days or weeks alive memorable & comfortable 
Funny story after i told my mum & she calmed down she was like "i bet that my nana (her mother) will say that i am following in my mothers footsteps & she didnt bring me up right"
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