It’s a big problem, if the child has no family, no nothing, it is better to give them to the government

I analysed 539 articles in total to identify the messages, communication techniques and sources of information in each of these.

I used critical discourse theory to identify the dominant points of view on each of these topics, and how certain vocabulary and communication styles and images have been used to create a common way of talking and thinking about unplanned pregnancy, abortion, child abandonment, foster care and adoption.

Young pregnant girls are increasingly individualised and demonised:

• Young pregnant girls are increasingly individualised and demonised:

• Language used includes: Shocking; skyrocketing; crisis, out of control; epidemic (medical term implying the widespread infectious disease).
• The girls are getting younger and younger, and more ‘innocent’.

• Parents and particularly mothers are chastised for abdicating their parental responsibilities.