Abortion storylines have made their mark on TV this year, appearing in shows like The Pitt, Call the Midwife, and even reality shows like Love is Blind. Overall, there were 65 instances of abortion plotlines in 2024. However, noticeable changes have emerged in how these stories are portrayed compared to previous years.
According to the annual Abortion Onscreen report from Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health, fewer characters are shown actually going through with abortion procedures. In 2025, only 37% of characters obtained an abortion, a significant drop from 51% in 2023. This reflects a broader cultural trend that often shies away from honest discussions about abortion.
Researcher Steph Herold comments on the stigma around abortion that still exists, even in supposedly progressive media. Herold highlights the real-life challenges faced by people seeking abortion care. The report notes that about 60% of people face barriers, such as financial issues or logistical challenges, yet only a small fraction of characters on screen face similar obstacles.
Many characters seeking abortions are depicted as upper or middle class, which contrasts starkly with reality. Most individuals seeking abortions are from lower-income backgrounds, a reality that’s often overlooked in TV narratives. This lack of representation can skew audience perceptions about who seeks abortions and why.
This year’s storyline in The Pitt featured a teenager seeking medication abortion pills, one of only three such depictions out of 65 abortion plotlines. In reality, medication abortion represents the majority of abortions in the U.S. Additionally, just 8% of characters seeking an abortion on screen were parents, while most abortion patients do, in fact, have children, as highlighted in a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation.
Herold is disappointed to see a trend of increasing stigma in these narratives. Several shows depicted shame around abortions, often tying it to religious beliefs. This portrayal simplifies the range of experiences people have. Religion can support those making abortion decisions, rather than simply restricting them.
Yet, there are signs of progress. More recent plots reflect the racial realities surrounding abortion. A majority of characters in these storylines are now people of color, which is an improvement compared to the past where portrayals were predominantly white and affluent.
In summary, while abortion remains a challenging topic for many, the push for more accurate representation on screen is crucial. Stories that encompass diverse experiences resonate with viewers and can help reduce stigma in society. As character depictions evolve, it’s essential for media to reflect the true complexities of abortion in the U.S.
