In a candid moment, Sally Field shared her deeply painful story about undergoing an illegal abortion when she was just 17 years old. The Oscar-winning actress, who first mentioned her abortion in her memoir Pieces in 2018, took to Instagram on October 6 to reflect on her experience, despite feeling “very shamed” about it, particularly coming from a conservative background in the ’50s.
Field recalled the harrowing details of seeking an abortion in the 1960s, before the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling that legalized abortion in the U.S. She explained how she was left with few options at a time when she was still trying to figure out her life after high school. “I had no choices in my life,” she emphasized, explaining the lack of support from her family regarding her future.
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Luckily, Field was able to turn to a family doctor who helped her travel to Tijuana, Mexico, to get the abortion. She described the experience as terrifying, mentioning the rundown street and the doctor’s precaution of parking a distance away. Handing her an envelope of cash, he instructed her to walk into a building alone to pay for the procedure.
In a heart-wrenching account, Field disclosed that she underwent the abortion without proper anesthesia and faced not only physical pain but also the added trauma of being mistreated by a technician during the procedure. “It was beyond hideous and life-altering,” she shared, explaining how she had to physically defend herself in a time of vulnerability.
The aftermath of the procedure left her feeling rushed and scared, emphasizing the stigma around abortion back then. However, she recognized the bravery of her doctor for assisting her, knowing the serious risks involved for him.
Field reflected on how, just months later, she landed her breakout role as Gidget, portraying a character that resonated with her own life experiences. “I was the quintessential all-American girl next door,” she noted, acknowledging the parallel journeys many young women faced during that era.
Over the years, Field welcomed three sons and enjoyed a successful career in Hollywood. In her closing remarks, she expressed concern about the current state of reproductive rights, especially following the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade. “We can’t go back,” she reiterated in her video and caption, stressing the importance of safeguarding reproductive freedom.
Field encouraged her followers to pay attention to upcoming elections and expressed her support for politicians advocating for reproductive rights. Fans and fellow celebrities quickly rallied in the comments to show their admiration for Field’s bravery, with actress Busy Philipps saying, “Thank you ❤️,” and Elizabeth Perkins calling her a “courageous beacon of light and hope for all of us.”