Sally Field Recounts Traumatic Illegal Abortion Experience and Advocates for Reproductive Rights

Oscar-winning actor Sally Field has spoken out about the “hideous” and “traumatic” illegal abortion she underwent as a 17-year-old in 1964, urging voters to support Kamala Harris in the upcoming U.S. presidential election. Field, who first revealed her abortion in her 2018 memoir, “In Pieces,” recently shared a video on Instagram discussing her experience and rallying for reproductive rights.

Field recalled the challenging circumstances of a time when contraception was not readily accessible. “It was during a time even worse than now,” she wrote, “a time when contraception was not readily available and only if you were married.” She emphasized that many women of her generation endured similar traumatic events and urged a fight for future generations.

At 17, Field faced limited choices and lack of family support upon discovering her pregnancy. Accompanied by a family friend who was a doctor, she was driven to Tijuana, Mexico for the abortion, performed illegally. “It was beyond hideous and life-altering,” she described, adding that she “had no anaesthetic” during the procedure.

Field recounted the distressing experience, where the technician gave her “a few puffs of ether” before reportedly molesting her. “It was this absolute pit of shame,” she said, describing the ordeal. Despite this experience, Field soon after secured her breakout role in “Gidget,” which she described as a transformative period in her life.

In her message, Field made a passionate appeal for voter support of Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, emphasizing the importance of protecting reproductive rights through ballot initiatives. “We can’t go back,” Field urged, highlighting the ongoing struggles women face today in accessing abortion services.

Field’s call to action comes in the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade in June 2022 by the Supreme Court. This decision amplified concerns about further restrictions on women’s reproductive rights, especially with the possibility of a second Trump presidency. Public polling has consistently shown that a majority of Americans support access to abortion.

In related remarks, former First Lady Melania Trump expressed her support for women’s autonomy over reproductive choices. “It is imperative to guarantee that women have autonomy in deciding their preference of having children,” she stated.

Field’s video is part of her broader efforts to prevent what she sees as a regression in women’s rights and to inspire collective action to safeguard reproductive freedoms. “I believe, like me, they must want to fight for their grandchildren and all the young women of this country,” she expressed, urging active involvement in upcoming elections.