Pure: Proud Teen Mothers

Teenage motherhood seems to be one of the last taboos in society. Whoever becomes a young mother 'throws away her future', 'has been irresponsible' and 'is a sad case'.

These prejudices are everywhere. Photographer MeRy/Melanie Rijkers deals with these prejudices in puur.

We see 75 young mothers from 16 to 23 years old, pregnant or recently delivered, who are proud of motherhood. They have brought their child into the world with great consideration and are determined to give him or her the best. MeRy has photographed them beautifully, naked against a black background. Pure, without hiding the traces of pregnancy.

Several photographed mothers also tell their story. They have different backgrounds, are white or black and come from the city or the countryside. What unites them is an explicit choice for motherhood. They are powerful young women who have had the courage to let themselves be photographed in a vulnerable way, with a wonderfully beautiful, moving result. A book for all (expectant) mothers, young and old.