Rita Moreno recently opened up about a frightening experience she endured decades ago—one that continues to resonate in today’s contentious climate following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. At 90 years old, the iconic actress recounted the harrowing details of a botched abortion Marlon Brando arranged after she became pregnant during their relationship in the ‘50s. In an exclusive interview with Variety, Moreno emphasized how perilous abortions were prior to the landmark 1973 ruling that legalized the procedure in the U.S. Despite having gone to a licensed physician, she underscored the risks women faced at that time. “Marlon found a doctor through some friends. He was a real doctor—Marlon shelled out $500 for the procedure—far better than hitting the back alleys,” she recounted. However, what followed was a nightmare. After the procedure, Moreno returned home but soon began to hemorrhage. In a panic, Brando rushed her back to the hospital, where doctors disclosed that the abortion hadn’t been performed correctly. “What I had was a ‘disturbed pregnancy,’” she said, revealing just how severe the situation was. Moreno’s expression of disbelief was palpable as she recalled, “The doctor didn’t do anything really; he just made me bleed. I was completely unaware at the time, but I could have died. What a dreadful mess that was.”
It’s clear that the trauma of that moment has stuck with her, even after all these years. This isn’t the first time Moreno has spoken about her past. In both her 2011 memoir and her 2021 documentary, she touched upon this painful chapter of her life. Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, she expressed her deep disappointment. “Hearing about this regression saddens me,” she admitted, revealing her fears that women may again be forced to seek unsafe alternatives for abortions. It’s not just the threat of poor medical care that frightens her; it’s the overall implication for women’s rights. “I’m so nervous and horrified that this is occurring at all,” she stated, echoing the broader sentiments shared by many after the ruling. The actress voiced specific concern for younger women, noting, “I think about the young girls, especially those who become pregnant due to circumstances like rape or incest. It’s simply unfair.”
Despite her dismay at the overturned decision, Moreno isn’t one to back down easily. She spoke passionately about her commitment to fighting for women’s rights, insisting that those who advocate for choice need to become more active. “We loud mouths are going to have to get busy. There are so many of us. This has reignited our determination,” she proclaimed, reflecting her relentless spirit. Rita’s reflections aren’t isolated; they echo a broader outcry from public figures and activists who see this decision as a setback for decades of progress. Many celebrities, including Michelle Obama, have expressed their heartbreak over the ruling, emphasizing that this chapter in history is far from the end of the story. The conversation surrounding abortion rights continues to gain traction, as Moreno and others speak out against this perceived injustice. “We must keep pushing forward; we cannot remain silent,” she added, rallying others around her in this vital cause. By sharing her story, Rita Moreno not only sheds light on the stark realities of past experiences but also inspires a renewed conversation about women’s autonomy and healthcare. There’s an urgency in her voice, a plea to remember the struggles that brought us this far and to fight against a regression that threatens to take us back to darker times. In a world rife with challenges, Moreno’s experiences serve as a poignant reminder of how far we’ve come and the work still needed to protect the rights of all women.
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