Actress Uma Thurman has come forward with a deeply personal account to denounce the controversial abortion legislation in Texas.
In a heartfelt piece published by The Washington Post, the 51-year-old star unveiled what she termed her “most hidden secret” — disclosing that she underwent an abortion during her late teenage years.
At the age of 15, Thurman embarked on her acting journey amidst environments where she was often the youngest individual present.
Recalling her late teens, she narrated an incident where she unintentionally became pregnant by an older man.
Stranded in Europe, away from her family, and on the brink of commencing a new job, she grappled with the decision-making process.
Thurman recounted the difficult conversation she had with her parents as they collectively decided to terminate the pregnancy.
Despite their support, she admitted that her heart was shattered.
For the procedure, Thurman sought medical assistance at a clinic in Cologne, Germany.
Reflecting on the experience, she described enduring excruciating pain without uttering a word, burdened by the shame she had internalized.
Presently, the ‘Suspicion’ actress is a proud mother of three children — daughters Maya, 23, and Luna, 9, and son Levon Roan, 19.
She expressed immense pride and joy in her role as a mother in her essay.
Acknowledging the emotional turmoil surrounding her teenage abortion, Thurman emphasized that the decision paved the way for a life filled with happiness and love.
Opting not to proceed with the early pregnancy enabled her to mature into the nurturing mother she aspired to be.
By sharing her story, Thurman aspired to shed light on the struggles faced by women and girls who may be grappling with feelings of shame and lack of autonomy.
She criticized the Texas abortion law, attributing its enactment to the Supreme Court’s homogenous ideological composition, which she believes poses a grave human rights challenge for American women.
Encouraging women and girls in Texas who fear persecution under the new law, Thurman urged them to stay strong, emphasizing their beauty and resilience.
She drew parallels between their plight and the experiences of her own daughters.
The Texas Senate Bill 8, which came into force on September 1, stands as the most stringent abortion regulation in the nation, effectively nullifying the protections established in Roe v. Wade.
Prohibiting abortions beyond six weeks into pregnancy, the law offers no exceptions for cases involving incest or rape.
Under this legislation, private individuals possess the authority to sue healthcare providers suspected of performing illegal abortions post the six-week mark, along with anyone aiding in the process.
Successful litigants stand to receive a minimum compensation of $10,000.
In response to the bill, Attorney General Merrick Garland affirmed the Justice Department’s commitment to exploring all avenues to challenge the law and safeguard the constitutional rights of women and individuals seeking reproductive healthcare.
He pledged federal law enforcement support to protect abortion clinics and reproductive health centers facing threats.
