Sally Field relates the ‘beyond hideous and life-altering’ experience she had at 17 and issues a dire warning about reproductive rights

Abortion rights have emerged as a critical issue in the upcoming presidential election, especially following the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This landmark ruling galvanized many women across the nation, igniting discussions about reproductive rights and access to safe, legal abortion care. Among the voices advocating for these rights is Oscar-winning actress Sally Field, who has bravely shared her own harrowing experience with abortion before it was legalized in the United States.

Field, now 77, has had a celebrated career in Hollywood, dating back to her breakout role in the 1965 sitcom *Gidget*. However, long before Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973, Field found herself in a difficult situation as a pregnant teenager with limited options and support. In a candid video shared on her Instagram, she recounted the traumatic experience she faced at just 17 years old, highlighting the real dangers women endure when access to safe abortion care is restricted.

In her story, Field described how she had no family support or financial resources and felt lost about her future when she discovered her pregnancy. With little choice, she turned to a family doctor who arranged for her to have the procedure in Tijuana, Mexico. The account of her journey was fraught with fear and uncertainty, as she recalled parking on a rundown street and having to walk to a clinic with an envelope of cash.

During the procedure, Field faced not only physical pain but also a distressing violation when a technician assaulted her, a painful reminder of the dangers women often face in unregulated settings. She expressed feelings of shame and helplessness, illustrating the traumatic consequences of outlawing safe medical care.

Field’s powerful testimony is not just a personal narrative; it highlights a global issue. According to Doctors Without Borders, unsafe abortion practices lead to approximately 29,000 deaths and 7 million injuries or disabilities among women and girls worldwide every year. Her experience serves as a stark reminder of the stakes involved when women are denied access to safe reproductive healthcare.

Following this ordeal, Field went on to achieve remarkable success in her acting career, winning two Academy Awards for *Norma Rae* and *Places in the Heart*. She has drawn parallels between her experiences and the struggles faced by countless women of her generation, asserting that her path may have been different had she not been able to obtain the abortion.

Field has used her platform to call for more reproductive rights and to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris, emphasizing the importance of the upcoming election. She urged voters to recognize the critical nature of this issue, stating, “Pay attention to this election. We can’t go back.” Her advocacy highlights the need for safe, legal access to abortion, underscoring that the personal experiences of women must inform the political discourse surrounding reproductive rights.