‘I Had No Choices’: Sally Field Opens Up About ‘Traumatic’ Experience Of Undergoing Illegal Abortion At 17

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As an ardent admirer of the indomitable Sally Field, I find myself deeply moved and profoundly respectful after learning about her harrowing ordeal as a teenager. Her brave confession serves as a stark reminder of the societal constraints and lack of choices that women faced in the 1960s, particularly when it comes to reproductive rights.

Notable actress Sally Field recently shared a private and distressing incident from her youth. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Field disclosed that at 17 years old, she underwent an illegal abortion in Tijuana, Mexico. This event transpired during the 1960s, prior to the historic Roe v. Wade court decision that made abortion legal within the United States.

Field’s straightforward declaration underscored the constraints she faced in life. She explained, “There weren’t many choices for me.” Growing up in the 1950s, Field remembered the social norms that dictated women’s roles and how her predicament left her with minimal backing. “I lacked much family assistance or resources,” she said, pondering over the burden of her circumstances.

In the months leading up to her rise to fame as the lead in the 1965 ABC sitcom ‘Gidget’, the actress underwent an abortion. At that time, she was uncertain about her future plans and direction in life.

Field shared that after graduating from high school, no one suggested the idea of going to college; instead, it was a silent assumption. At that time, she wasn’t sure about her future plans, but later discovered she was pregnant.

Through the assistance of a dear family acquaintance who just so happened to be a physician, she managed to receive medical care. She praised him for being courageous and selfless, highlighting that he risked his professional standing in order to aid her.

Sally Field, accompanied by her mother and a doctor, journeyed to Tijuana in a sleek new Cadillac, in search of an illicit medical procedure. She mentioned that they had parked on a rather shabby street, which gave off an unsettling vibe.

Field’s abortion experience had a long-term impact on her. She described the procedure as beyond hideous and life-altering and revealed that it was done without anesthetic.

As the technician administered a few whiffs of ether, it offered minimal relief from her intense agony. She reported that it caused her limbs to become insensitive, but she still felt every sensation acutely.

Additionally, she remembered the chilling moment when she understood that the technician was inappropriately touching her during the process. She explained, “I had to quickly find a way to make my arms move to push him off. It felt like I was trapped in an abyss of embarrassment.

According to the process, Field was hastily escorted from the structure, giving the impression that it was ablaze. She explained, “I wasn’t supposed to be there; it was against the law.

Regardless of the hardship she faced, Field publicly thanked her family physician for his courageous actions. She admitted that had it been known he was involved, he could have potentially lost his medical license.

Later on, Field discussed her journey following the abortion and her subsequent rise to stardom as Gidget. She mentioned that shortly afterwards, she began trying out for roles in various productions.

She didn’t work for an agency; instead, she wasn’t really a professional actor. However, by the close of the year, she secured the part of Gidget, a character widely regarded as the epitome of the ideal American neighbor girl.

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2024-10-08 15:22