Me, October 3rd 2011: Could Sons of Anarchy be the first show to portray a character having an abortion, and not have that decision wreck her or her family's life? How awesome would that be? How brave, in the deafening anti-choice roar currently engulfing the US? What a positive message it would send to unhappily-pregnant people everywhere, that abortion might not give you misery death cancer! Can they do it? Will they do it? Can it be true?
Sons of Anarchy, October 18th 2011: No.
If it's any consolation, the first shows to do this were Maude and Degrassi High.
ReplyDeleteMaude's life pretty much went on as normal, and in Degrassi when Erika had her abortion, she dealt with some backlash from the rabidly anti-choice Liz, but otherwise Erika pretty much took it in stride. They revisited the topic later in a follow up episode where Heather (Erika's twin) was having some issues with her part in it, but the episode framed Erika as being okay with her decision, and although Heather had issues, no one's family was torn apart over.
Sadly, this was the 80's and we seem to have regressed quite a bit. But I recommend watching them if only to know that yes, virginia, it IS possible to have a positive depiction of abortion.
Awesome! I need new television obsessions anyway, so I'll seek them out - thanks.
ReplyDeleteOff topic and stuff, but I just wanted to say that I really love your blog. You're witty, informative, and all-round awesome. Keep it up!
ReplyDeleteThanks, you're a peach!
ReplyDeletePrivate Practice has done this many times. Granted, it's not a good show but it is consistently good about dealing with abortion.
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