Planned Parenthood: The Fosters Shows the Reality of Abortions Later in Pregnancy

New York, NY — This week, ABC Family’s The Fosters episode, titled “Mother,” featured one woman’s decision to have an abortion later in pregnancy. Earlier this year, Planned Parenthood honored The Fosters with a Maggie Award for its consistently accurate and sensitive handling of reproductive and sexual health issues.

Statement from Eric Ferrero, Vice President of Communications at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

 “Planned Parenthood applauds The Fosters for shedding light on a very real decision women and their families have to make each day. Abortion is a deeply personal, often complex decision for a woman to make in consultation with her doctor, her family, and her faith.  While women should not have to justify their personal medical decisions, the reality is that abortion later in pregnancy is rare and often happens under heartbreaking and tragic circumstances. Opponents of safe and legal abortion have tried to distort that reality and simultaneously shame the women that need to make these decisions.

“Honest portrayals about abortion in film and television are extremely rare, and that’s part of a much bigger lack of honest depictions of women’s lives, health, and sexuality. Through popular culture, women get the message early and often that, while they may have the right to get an abortion, there’s something wrong with them if they exercise that right. It’s time to bring stigma about abortion into the light, expose it, and reject it, which The Fosters did this week.  

“One episode won’t change how women are viewed by society and the entertainment industry, but it can help challenge stigma and change the conversation. A woman’s decision about her pregnancy should be respected and valued.”

###

Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With more than 700 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.