Portrayed by Shailene Woodley, Amy gets pregnant after a one - night stand at band camp before her freshman year of high school. At the beginning of the series, she is 15 years old. Upon entering high school, Amy begins a relationship with Ben Boykewich (also 15), a supportive classmate with whom she falls in love. She confesses her pregnancy to her two best friends, Madison and Lauren, who are fake because they spread the rumor that Amy had sex with Ricky. During this time, Amy 's 13 - year - old sister Ashley discovers her pregnancy due to Amy 's recent weight gain and erratic behavior, but promises to keep her secret from their parents. Ben proposes to Amy after finding out, because he genuinely loves her, and feels he would be a better father than Ricky due to his family 's financial stability. After Amy tells her parents, she contemplates having an abortion, as she is afraid of her peers ' perceptions. She changes her mind, but is still adamant about not returning to school. Ricky reaches out to Amy during this time, saying that he wants to be involved with what happens to the baby. Amy plans to go live with her grandmother Mimsy, but is unable to go after discovering that Mimsy is suffering from Alzheimer 's disease, and is moving into assisted care living. Amy returns to school, but is uncomfortable with being known as "the pregnant girl ''.
who plays amy in the secret life of the american teenager
Shailene Woodley