Ashley Wilkens (ABC)
Appearing as the assistant to Starr's (Kristen Alderson) OBGYN, this eighteen year old is closer to the current underage pregnancy storyline than a lot of people know. At the age of sixteen, Ashley became pregnant and chose adoption for her unborn child - much like Kristen's character is planning right now. Since finding a loving family to adopt her baby, Ashley now works alongside the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy with the sole purpose to help other teens who are going through what she's endured and to let them know that adoption is a wonderful choice for young girls who are leaning toward making the same decision as she chose. Ashley has appeared on the Montel Williams Show and has also talked openly with People Magazine about her story.
Soaps.com wants to thank Ashley for taking part in such a controversial storyline and for being a role model for the many teens out there who are struggling with their own pregnancies. We all know the information is out there for the young girls of our country, but seeing Ashley, a real-life example, is sure to comfort a lot of them who are experiencing the same circumstances in their lives.
For more information on teenage pregnancy, and for support, please visit the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
