TV shapes how we view the world, including how people dress, speak, and even what they believe. Abortion is no exception.

When shows handle abortion storylines with care, they can help reduce stigma, spark meaningful conversations, and reflect real experiences. But when they lean on outdated tropes or overlook crucial details, they risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

This article looks at 12 shows—from dramas to reality TV—that have aired abortion storylines over the years. For each, we’ll break down the main character and storyline, what the show got right, what it got wrong (or skipped), and why it mattered to audiences.

Thinking about getting a medication abortion? Hey Jane offers affordable abortion pills shipped to your door without the wait, and on-demand support from our judgment-free clinical team throughout treatment. See if you’re eligible, or learn how you can support our mission here.

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Why abortion storylines matter in TV

Abortion is common: about 1 in 4 people with uteruses in the United States will have an abortion by age 45 according to Guttmacher. Yet on TV, abortion is still rare. When it shows up on screen, abortion is often dramatized or oversimplified—when in reality, it’s an experience that looks different for everyone.

That mismatch matters. If viewers only ever see abortion as secretive, traumatic, or life-shattering, it can shape public opinion in harmful ways. Research from ANSIRH (Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health) shows that TV depictions influence how people think about abortion and the stigma around it.

And then there are the patterns:

• Characters often agonize endlessly over their decision (while IRL, many people are clear and confident).
• Regret is overemphasized (in reality, relief is the most common emotion afterward).
• Abortion is framed as something to hide or keep secret (whereas in real life, many people may share openly with friends, partners, or family).
• Barriers like cost, laws, and logistics are often overlooked, even though they significantly impact access to care.

In real life, abortion is safe, common, and experienced in many ways. While emotions vary, research like The Turnaway Study from UCSF consistently shows that relief is the most common feeling patients report afterward—a fact that TV often overlooks.

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12 TV shows that depict abortion

Spoiler alert: some summaries mention key plot points in recent seasons, so skip ahead if you aren’t caught up.

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The Pitt (HBO Max, Season 1)

Year aired: 2025

Character: Kristi (ER patient)

In The Pitt, Kristi, a teenage ER patient, seeks care after learning she’s pregnant and decides to have a medication abortion. The storyline unfolds amid the urgency of a Pittsburgh emergency department, where clinicians work to support her decision while navigating legal and family constraints. 

What it got right: The episode portrays abortion as patient-directed care. Kristi is clear in her decision, and clinicians approach her with support. The storyline also captures the urgency and stress patients face when access is shaped by laws, consent requirements, and limited options—especially as a minor.

What it missed: The show didn’t quite explain how to take abortion pills correctly. Kristi is instructed to take mifepristone twice before moving on to misoprostol. In reality, only one dose of mifepristone is needed. Taking it again doesn’t increase its effectiveness and adds extra costs. 6 to 48 hours after the first dose, patients should move directly to misoprostol, the medication that causes the uterus to contract and pass the pregnancy.

Why it matters: The Pitt is widely praised for its medical accuracy, which makes omissions or imprecision more noticeable—especially around abortion care, where misinformation is common. Set in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where abortion remains legal up to 24 weeks but access can be constrained by waiting periods and parental consent laws, the storyline highlights why both compassionate portrayal and clinical accuracy matter. Many people learn about abortion from TV, and details—even small ones—shape public understanding of what care really looks like.

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Ginny & Georgia (Netflix, Season 3, Episode 5 — “Boom Goes the Dynamite”)

Year aired: 2025

Character: Ginny Miller

Ginny faces an unplanned pregnancy and, with her mom Georgia’s support, decides to have an abortion. The show handles it as part of Ginny’s broader journey, rather than making it her entire identity.

What it got right: Abortion is portrayed as just one part of Ginny’s story, not her whole identity. Emotional, yes, but not life-defining. 

What it missed: Offered little detail about the practical side of accessing abortion care, especially for minors who may face unique barriers like parental consent laws or limited clinic availability.

Why it matters: Netflix rarely addresses abortion so directly, making this storyline a standout for teen and young adult drama. Because the show is set in Massachusetts—a state where abortion is legal up to 24 weeks and minors 16 and older can access care without parental consent—it also underscores how supportive families and strong legal protections can make a difference in real-life access.

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The Hunting Wives (Netflix, Season 1, Episode 8 — “Sophie’s Choice”)

Year aired: 2025

Character: Margo Banks (revealed by Sophie O’Neil)

Sophie uncovers that Margo—not Abby—had the abortion. Clues include a box of tampons in Margo’s bathroom, despite her earlier claiming she couldn’t use them—sparking Sophie’s suspicion. It’s a shocking twist that unfolds in a tense, twisty finale.

What it got right: Treated abortion as a meaningful part of the plot, acknowledging it as a real and consequential experience rather than avoiding the subject altogether.

What it missed: The show focuses on emotion, intrigue, and suspense—not the practical realities of accessing abortion care. 

Why it matters: Notable as one of the first thriller/mystery shows to weave abortion into its central plot. Its release in 2025 challenges the notion that abortion storylines only belong in medical or teen dramas, expanding where these conversations can appear on screen. Because the show is set in Texas—where abortion is banned with few exceptions—the storyline also underscores the sharp contrast between fictional portrayals and real-world access today.

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Love Is Blind (Netflix, Season 3, Episodes 6 & 7)

Year aired: 2022

Characters: Contestants and fiancés Nancy and Bartise

During their engagement, Nancy asked Bartise how he felt about abortion if they faced an unplanned pregnancy. Their conversation was open, direct, and at times tense—making it clear that abortion isn’t just a political issue, but a real factor in relationships. Reality dating shows usually avoid topics that are this personal and polarizing, which made the exchange stand out.

What it got right: Showed abortion as both political and deeply personal, giving space for nuance rarely seen in reality TV.

What it missed: As with most reality TV, there wasn’t much exploration of access, cost, or care.

Why it matters: One of the first reality shows to address abortion directly. This season was filmed in Minneapolis, where the Minnesota state constitution protects the right to abortion at any stage of pregnancy. Hey Jane also provides care in Minnesota, making access to safe, supportive telehealth an option for many residents.

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The Real Housewives of New York City (Bravo, Season 15, Episode 9 – “Coming Clean”)

Year aired: 2024

Characters: Jenna Lyons and Erin Lichy

In this episode, two cast members stepped outside the usual franchise focus on luxury and conflict to share their abortion experiences. Jenna Lyons revealed she had an abortion at age 21, when she had limited financial resources and support. Erin Lichy also opened up about having an abortion during her college years. Their honesty framed abortion as a part of many women’s real lives, not something to be hidden or whispered about.

What it got right: he show normalized abortion by showing it as part of everyday life, told in the women’s own voices and without stigma

What it missed: The show focused on personal storytelling, so it didn’t dive into broader factors like cost, provider access, or how state laws can shape someone’s experience.

Why it matters: For a franchise usually centered on glam, conflict, and wealth, this was a big shift. The conversation reminded millions of viewers that abortion is not rare or shameful—it’s part of the full range experience people with uteruses can have in life.

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Grey’s Anatomy (ABC, Season 8, Episode 1 — “Free Falling”)

Year aired: 2011

‍Character: Cristina Yang

Cristina chooses to have an abortion despite her partner’s objections. It was one of the first times a primetime medical drama showed abortion as health care without moralizing it.

What it got right: Cristina was confident in her decision, and her provider supported her. The storyline framed abortion as valid, ethical medical care. It also showed the reality that abortion decisions can affect relationships, and that patients sometimes navigate unsupportive partners, friends, or family.

What it missed: The episode skimmed over logistics—like what the procedure involves or how recovery is supported. Because the story was set at Seattle Grace Hospital in Washington, where abortion has long been legal until viability with certain exceptions, the show may have focused more on character dynamics than access barriers.

Why it matters: A landmark storyline that broke ground for network TV back in 2011, paving the way for more honest depictions in medical dramas.

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Scandal (ABC, Season 5, Episode 9 — “Baby, It’s Cold Outside”)

Year aired: 2015

Character: Olivia Pope

Olivia has an abortion in a scene shown entirely through visuals and music, with no dialogue. The choice was depicted as hers alone, without outside influence.

What it got right: Abortion was portrayed as a private, self-directed choice—Olivia was in control.

What it missed: The silence left out some of the realities patients often face—like navigating emotions, support systems, or the logistics of care. However, the creative choice made for a powerful and moving scene that emphasized Olivia’s independence.

Why it mattered: Bold for its time, the storyline sparked nationwide conversation. Some praised the portrayal of autonomy, while others debated whether the lack of dialogue diminished its impact. Set in Washington, D.C.—where abortion is legal at all stages of pregnancy—this episode stood out as one of the few primetime dramas willing to portray abortion directly.

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Girls (HBO, Season 1, Episode 2 — “Vagina Panic”)

Year aired: 2012

Character: Jessa Johansson

Jessa schedules an abortion but ultimately misses her appointment. At the same time, Hannah supports a friend who is also navigating an abortion decision.

What it got right: Captured the messiness, uncertainty, and complications that can surround reproductive choices, especially for young adults.

What it missed: Because no abortion actually took place on-screen, the episode didn’t show what the process is really like or the realities of accessing care in New York City. Still, the story highlighted how friends and relationships can play a role in these moments.

Cultural significance: Brought abortion into millennial conversations about health, adulthood, and friendship. For a show known for its raw and sometimes uncomfortable honesty, this storyline pushed abortion into the mainstream in a way that resonated with younger audiences.

Too Much (Prime Video, Season 1, Episode 5 — “Fairytale of New York”)

Year aired: 2024

Character: Jess

In a flashback tied to her move to London, Jess reveals she had an abortion after having sex with a production assistant. The show depicts the procedure on-screen, with Jess crying as she’s placed under anesthesia and again when she wakes up—an uncommon detail, since most real-world abortions don’t involve general anesthesia.

What it got right: Centered Jess’s autonomy and treated abortion as a meaningful but not defining part of her past. The show didn’t frame it as secretive or shameful.

What it missed: Focused on emotional impact but skipped over practical details, like how Jess accessed care or what support systems were available. And while the use of anesthesia added drama to the scene, it doesn’t reflect how most abortions are actually provided. In fact, about 63% of abortions in the U.S. are medication abortions per Guttmacher, which can usually be managed at home with over-the-counter pain relief and heating pads. Procedural abortions, like the one Jess had, are usually done with local anesthesia to numb the cervix—sometimes paired with light sedation—not full general anesthesia.

Why it matters: Highlights how modern streaming dramas are willing to portray abortion more openly and frequently.  By leaning into the emotional weight of the experience, the show normalized abortion as part of many people’s life stories while sparking discussion about what abortion really looks like in practice.

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Jane the Virgin (The CW, Season 3, Episode 3 — “Chapter Forty-Seven”)

Year aired: 2016

Character: Xiomara Villanueva

Xiomara decides to have an abortion after an unplanned pregnancy. The storyline treated her choice as valid and respected, while also showing the strength of her family ties.

What it got right: Emphasized Xiomara’s autonomy and the importance of family support, highlighting that abortion decisions can coexist with loving, supportive relationships.

What it missed: The actual procedure took place off-screen, so viewers didn’t see the medical realities or what the process involves. Still, the show’s focus on choice and support helped normalize abortion as part of everyday life.

Cultural significance:Offered important representation for a primarily Latinx cast on a network drama—a demographic rarely given authentic abortion storylines at the time. By placing the decision in the hands of a beloved central character, the show made space for more inclusive conversations about reproductive health. Set in Miami, Florida, the storyline also feels especially resonant today: Florida now bans abortion after six weeks with few exceptions—before many people even know they’re pregnant—making the kind of care Xiomara received on-screen far harder to access in real life.

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Sex Education (Netflix, Season 1, Episode 3)

Year aired: 2019

Character: Maeve Wiley

Maeve chooses to have an abortion, and her storyline is framed with honesty and care. She’s shown going through the clinic process with the support of a friend, giving viewers a realistic look at what seeking abortion care can be like.

What it got right: Showed the clinic setting, emphasized the importance of supportive relationships, and normalized abortion as a routine part of health care.

What it missed: Didn’t explore barriers like cost, laws, or access—issues especially relevant for teens or people with limited resources. Still, the straightforward portrayal helped remove stigma.

Cultural significance: Widely praised for its honesty and compassion, especially for younger audiences who rarely see abortion portrayed directly. Because the show is set in the UK, the storyline also highlighted how context matters: access looks very different depending on where you live.

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Degrassi (Multiple seasons: Season 2, Episode 2 — “Eggbert” and Season 3, Episode 14 — “Accidents Will Happen”)

Year(s): 1989 and 2004

Characters: Erica (original series), Manny (reboot)

Across two generations of the show, Degrassi tackled abortion head-on. In the original 1989 storyline, Erica decides to have an abortion after an unplanned pregnancy—one of the earliest depictions of teen abortion on TV. In the 2004 reboot, Manny faces a similar choice, highlighting how stigma and difficult decisions persist across time.

What it got right: Addressed the challenges, peer pressure, and stigma teens often face, while showing that abortion is an option they have the right to choose.

What it missed: At times leaned into melodrama instead of nuance, focusing more on conflict than on the details of care or support.

Cultural significance: Among the first teen shows to depict abortion so directly, Degrassi sparked important conversations for multiple generations of viewers. Because the show is Canadian—where abortion has been legal since 1988 with no criminal restrictions—the storylines also showed a level of access and openness that contrasted with what many U.S. teens were experiencing at the time.

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What these shows teach us about abortion

• Everyone’s experience is different: No single story represents every abortion experience.
• Media still leaves gaps: Shows often skip over cost, logistics, telehealth, laws, or medication abortion—key parts of real-world access in 2025 and beyond.
• Diversity matters: Representation across various dimensions, including race, class, gender identity, and geography, remains limited; however, progress is being made.

TV isn’t perfect, but it has the power to normalize abortion as a routine part of health care—and to break down stigma one storyline at a time.

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How to learn more or get support

Thinking about abortion—or curious what it’s really like outside of TV scripts? Here’s what you should know:

1. Abortion is safe and common, and is available in different forms including medication abortion and in-clinic procedures.
2. It comes in two main forms, medication abortion (the abortion pill) and in-clinic procedures. Each is effective and safe, but which is available to you can depend on factors like what state you’re in and how far along your pregnancy is.
3. Access and cost vary. Barriers like state laws, clinic availability, or financial limitations can affect how easy it is to get care—but you still deserve respectful, judgment-free treatment. Learn more about your local abortion access through our state and city guides.
4. Telehealth may make accessing abortion care easier. Providers like Hey Jane make it possible to consult with a licensed provider from home and have abortion pills shipped in discreet packaging. 

If you’re considering abortion, or just want to learn more about your options, we’re here for you. Learn more