I'm Having Their Baby
By Melissa Camacho,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Voyeuristic and emotional adoption show has mature themes.
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What you will—and won't—find in this TV show.
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What's the Story?
I'M HAVING THEIR BABY is a reality docuseries that follows pregnant women as they struggle with the decision to give up their newborn babies for adoption. From a high school student who is having her second baby in less than a year to a woman who finds herself separated from her husband and pregnant with another man's child, each of the women cope with the physical symptoms of pregnancy and the mixed emotions they have about the baby and its impending adoption. The pregnant women share the reasons why they've decided not to parent the babies, as well as their decisions about the adoptive parents through self-recorded video and conversations with family, friends, and others -- many of whom have very strong opinions about them giving up their babies. Sometimes viewers get to see some of the potential adoptive parents, too. After the babies is born and final decisions are made, some limited information about how they've gone on with their lives is offered.
Is It Any Good?
The series attempts to offer a non-judgmental look at some of the individual journeys that women go on when giving up their babies for adoption. While all of the women struggle with their maternal instincts, thanks to the video diary entries and some soap opera-like relationship drama, some of the women featured here appear a bit casual about the impact their decision will have on them until the actual moment when they have to sign the papers and give up the child.
It doesn't offer a lot of specific information about the adoption process, but adoption counselors are very honest with the pregnant women about how difficult the process is. Some of the adoptive parents share some of the challenges they have faced, too. But in the end, this series is more about offering audiences some emotional -- but voyeuristically entertaining -- moments, rather than informing them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about adoption. What are some of the stereotypes that characterize women who give their babies up for adoption? Are you surprised by some of the reasons the women featured here have for choosing to give up their parental rights?
Some of the women featured in the series cite poor decision-making and irresponsible sexual activity as the cause of their unwanted pregnancies. What role do you think the media plays in the choices young people make about engaging in this kind of behavior?
TV Details
- Premiere date: July 23, 2012
- Network: Oxygen
- Genre: Reality TV
- TV rating: TV-14
- Last updated: October 23, 2022
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