Fewer characters on TV had abortions this year — and more stories reinforced shame

NPRSaturday, December 13, 2025 at 12:00:00 PM
NegativeHealth
Fewer characters on TV had abortions this year — and more stories reinforced shame
  • Researchers at the University of California San Francisco have reported a decline in the portrayal of characters having abortions on television in 2025, alongside an increase in narratives that reinforce feelings of shame surrounding the issue. This trend raises concerns about the representation of abortion in media and its potential impact on public perception.
  • The implications of these findings are significant, as they suggest a shift in how abortion is discussed and depicted in popular culture. This could influence societal attitudes towards abortion, potentially stigmatizing those who seek such services and affecting the broader discourse on reproductive health.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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