Scripted television shows have made slight improvements in portraying abortion accurately, according to the annual Abortion Onscreen report released by the Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health program based at the University of California San Francisco. The study reveals that although there has been a decrease in the number of abortion plotlines on TV in 2023, this is mainly due to the lengthy writers' and actors' strikes, rather than a lack of interest.

In its eighth year of evaluation, the research program highlights that while depictions of abortion on TV are moving closer to reality, there are still notable gaps. One of the main missing factors is the portrayal of characters trying to navigate the financial challenges associated with abortion. Scripted shows rarely depict characters grappling with the costs of the procedure, determining if their insurance covers it, securing time off work, or arranging childcare.

However, one notable standout this year is Season 3 of The Morning Show on Apple TV+. The series introduces a storyline where network anchor Bradley Jackson, played by Reese Witherspoon, investigates a woman in Texas who helps people obtain abortion pills from Mexico. Steph Herold, a researcher involved in the study, commends the show's nuanced treatment of this topic. She emphasizes that the presence of real-life self-managed abortion networks in Texas is depicted, despite the legal risks involved. Herold also appreciates the use of precise and informative language when discussing medication abortions, highlighting that the show breaks the trend of rarely addressing the topic of self-managed abortion.

Another show praised for its realistic portrayal of abortion issues is ABC's Grey's Anatomy. The report highlights episodes that shine a light on the persistent and violent harassment that abortion providers face regularly. In the recent season, Dr. Miranda Bailey's reproductive health clinic becomes the target of violent protests, reflecting the challenges faced by real providers in the United States.

The researchers believe that television can play a crucial role in educating audiences about abortion. With limited public knowledge surrounding the topic, scripted shows have the potential to fill the gaps left by medical journals and scientific literature. The constantly changing legal status of abortion has resulted in confusion among the public, leading to uncertainty about its safety as well.

While the study indicates progress in the portrayal of abortion on television, there is still work to be done to accurately represent the realities of seeking and obtaining abortions. By addressing financial obstacles and offering nuanced narratives, scripted shows can help dispel misconceptions and foster a better understanding of this complex and personal healthcare decision.

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