Authentic Portrayals: Black Teen Pregnancy and Abortion in The Chi and P-Valley
Explore how The Chi and P-Valley authentically depict teen pregnancy, reproductive health, and parent-teen dynamics within Black urban communities, reflecting real-life challenges and resilience.
With Lena Waithe's “The Chi” and Katori Hall's “P-Valley” airing alongside the seismic shift following the Roe v. Wade reversal, I found myself reflecting deeply on my own life journey.
These powerful series explore teen pregnancy within marginalized urban spaces, weaving narratives that resonated with my family’s history and personal experiences.
The stories of Jemma in “The Chi,” portrayed by Judae’a Brown, and Terricka in “P-Valley,” played by A’zaria Carter, both navigate the complexities of unplanned adolescent pregnancies.
Though I wasn’t a teen mom, I proudly stand as the eldest daughter of one—making Jemma’s and Terricka’s experiences profoundly relatable to me.
Nuanced Mother-Daughter Bonds
Every time I asked my mother to accompany me for urgent reproductive care, a flutter of nerves stirred within me.
I feared disappointing her, often imagining scenarios far worse than reality.
Riding shotgun beside my mom before I could drive sparked the beginning of candid, sometimes challenging talks about sex and identity.
Scenes from “P-Valley,” set in the Mississippi Delta near my Atlanta hometown, echoed those memories, highlighting lives shaped by working-class realities.
Breaking the Cycle
Mercedes, a former teen mother played by Brandee Evans, faces the emotional turmoil of her pregnant daughter Terricka’s choices.
I recall mornings rushing to Planned Parenthood for check-ups and birth control, with my mom gently probing about my relationships.
She understood the fleeting nature of teenage romances and urged me to protect my future from careless decisions.
Her revolutionary approach helped us dismantle harmful generational patterns around teen pregnancy through honest, open dialogue.
In “P-Valley,” Terricka wrestles with her pregnancy decision, while Mercedes openly expresses her fears and disappointment.
The show captures the tension between protective instincts and the realities of adolescent sexuality, exemplified when Mercedes disapproves of Terricka’s carefree enjoyment of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion’s "WAP" blasting on the radio.
Mercedes’ skepticism about Terricka’s "puppy love" highlights the precariousness of her daughter’s future independence and well-being.
Complexities of Maternal Relationships
Mercedes’ decision to relinquish guardianship of Terricka reveals the challenges in rebuilding trust and connection.
Her struggle is compounded by feelings of inadequacy tied to her work as a stripper, complicating her maternal role.
When Terricka’s pregnancy comes to light, Mercedes confronts past regrets, poignantly telling her, “You may not have been planned, but you were wanted.”
Terricka’s question, “Then why didn’t you keep me?” exposes the painful realities of generational decisions shaped by age and capability.
Mercedes’ experience mirrors my own family’s story, reflected in a cherished photo capturing the complexity of motherhood and childhood expectations.
Facing Limited Choices
Terricka’s concerns about her preparedness echo the real-life barriers many women face in accessing reproductive healthcare.
Mississippi’s abortion clinics dwindled from three in 2017 to none by mid-2022, forcing many to travel over 1,000 miles for care—a burden that disproportionately affects marginalized communities.
The Roe v. Wade reversal has intensified these challenges, creating unconstitutional obstacles for those seeking safe pregnancy termination.
Black Maternal Health Crisis
In “P-Valley,” the journey to Jackson symbolizes a critical crossroads for Mercedes and Terricka, underscored by the stark realities of Black maternal mortality.
Black women face pregnancy-related death rates three times higher than White women, with systemic racism identified as a key factor.
Health disparities include increased risks of fibroids, preeclampsia, stillbirths, and gestational diabetes, exacerbated by socioeconomic stressors.
Financial Status Doesn’t Erase Racial Inequities
Jemma’s upper-middle-class background in “The Chi” contrasts with Mercedes’ struggles, yet birth complications affect Black women across all income levels.
Stories like my mother’s—denied pain relief during childbirth to "teach a lesson"—mirror public accounts from celebrities advocating for equitable care.
Jemma balances motherhood with entrepreneurial ambitions, supported by involved partners, illustrating how resources can expand pregnancy options.
However, systemic barriers in reproductive health access persist, intensifying risks and fears surrounding maternal outcomes.
At 31, I remain outraged that Black youth must navigate systems that often jeopardize their safety and well-being.
Black boys learn survival tactics around law enforcement, while Black girls face medical mistrust and potential negligence.
Empowering Conversations at Home
While institutional reform is essential, how families discuss sexuality with teens greatly impacts their futures.
Key approaches include:
Initiate Open, Honest Dialogue
“P-Valley” highlights debates around adequacy of sexual education from parents—research confirms teens benefit from ongoing, transparent conversations rather than a single "talk."
My mom’s presence during clinic visits and candid sharing fostered trust and informed choices.
Embrace Inclusivity
“P-Valley” is praised for queer representation, though teen characters show less fluidity, reminding us not to assume teens’ identities.
Early affirmation of sexuality at home laid the foundation for my own journey as a queer woman.
Improved representation of people with disabilities could further enrich dialogues about safe, pleasurable sex for all.
Leverage Personal Experiences
Reflect on your own sexual education—were you informed about pregnancy options, STI prevention, pleasure, and identity?
My mother’s choice to provide comprehensive care where she lacked it empowered me to navigate my sexuality confidently.
Even if uncomfortable, initiating these talks with love and support is vital.
Authenticity in Media Representation
Though Jemma’s story in “The Chi” ends with a miscarriage and Terricka’s fate remains uncertain due to “P-Valley”’s hiatus, these narratives are invaluable.
They offer authentic Black perspectives on reproductive health, emphasizing education, empowerment, and community responsibility.
Such stories challenge monolithic views and foster intergenerational dialogue essential for progress.
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