Celebrity Publicists: Spinning Young, Unwed Mothers into the Latest Fad?

It is no doubt that society has been affected by the recent glorification of pregnancy in Hollywood.  The art of spinning a potentially career-threatening event like an unplanned pregnancy into a blissful miracle is starting to become second nature for many celebrity publicists.

 

One can argue that it is the publicists’ job to help stars maintain a positive image.  But how much influence does a public relations professional have on the moral values and ideals of America?  

 

Does a cover shot and eight page spread in OK! magazine positively spin the fact that Jamie Lynn Spears got pregnant at the age of 16?  Furthermore, do the designer baby clothes and ornately decorated nurseries lend the belief that shopping for, and potentially having a baby, can be fun – at any age?  

 

Of course being truthful and transparent with information is a core belief to a publicist, but when does the spinning become inappropriate and dangerous to society?  Does omitting the fact that these young celebrity mothers’ lofty salaries let them afford numerous nannies and additional help, prove to be unethical?  

 

According to a CBS News article, the rate of teenage pregnancies in America rose sharply in 2006 for the first time in 15 years.  So the question really comes down to- does the glamorization of pregnant teenage stars cause the influx in pregnancies,  or are young celebrities simply reflecting society’s current trend?