2025 TV Characters Show Fewer Abortions, Increase Stigma Narratives : NPR

The portrayal of abortion on television has evolved significantly, reflecting societal attitudes and challenges. Analysis from the annual Abortion Onscreen report indicates a notable shift in both the representation and experiences of characters involved in abortion storylines. This year, 2025, saw a decrease in the percentage of characters who actually went through with an abortion, highlighting increasing stigma narratives.

Key Findings from the 2025 Abortion Onscreen Report

This year, TV shows featured 65 storylines that addressed abortion. Notable programs included prestigious dramas, reality shows, and animated comedies. Despite the number of storylines remaining almost flat compared to the previous year—66 in 2024—there has been a decrease in characters who obtained abortions. Only 37% of characters portrayed on-screen chose to have an abortion in 2025, reflecting a 14% drop from 2023.

Stigma and Misrepresentation in Television

The report, compiled by Advancing New Standards in Reproductive Health at the University of California San Francisco, emphasizes the ongoing stigma surrounding abortion, even in progressive media. Researcher Steph Herold points out that the representation of abortion in Hollywood does not accurately reflect the experiences of real individuals seeking abortions. Approximately 60% of those seeking abortions face various barriers in real life, while only about a third of on-screen characters encounter similar challenges.

• Most characters seeking abortions are depicted as upper or middle-class.
• Financial difficulties and logistical barriers are rarely mentioned in TV portrayals.
• Only 8% of on-screen abortion seekers are parents, contrasting with real-life statistics where most abortion patients have children.

Shifting Themes in Storylines

This year’s narratives often leaned toward legal obstacles rather than emotional support. Programs like Chicago Med and 1923 have increasingly emphasized shame, particularly through religious lenses. These portrayals tend to inaccurately portray religious individuals, primarily depicting them as opposed to abortion rather than supportive in their decision-making processes.

Improvements in Racial Representation

On a positive note, the representation of people of color in abortion storylines has seen progress. A slight majority of characters involved in abortion plots are now people of color. This marks a significant improvement compared to a decade ago when portrayals were predominantly wealthy and white.

Conclusion: The Need for Better Representation

While television continues to grapple with how to portray abortion, it is crucial for these narratives to encapsulate the diverse experiences that many Americans undergo. According to Herold, millions have encountered abortion in their lives, and storytelling that reflects a broader spectrum of experiences will resonate more with viewers. As societal attitudes toward abortion evolve, it’s essential for media representations to keep pace, reducing stigma and enhancing understanding.