If you are behind on this season of Scandal, stop reading as this story contains spoilers.

On Thursday night Olivia Pope, Scandal’s main protagonist had an abortion in an episode that dealt with the controversy about defunding Planned Parenthood in the US.

The show’s creator Shonda Rhimes has been vocal about using her platform to highlight her pro-choice stance previously, for example in Grey’s Anatomy when Cristina Yang had an abortion in the eighth season.

Olivia Pope- (Source: Huffington Post)

In an interview with Time magazine Rhimes spoke of her willingness to talk about abortion as a matter of public interest stating: "Because it is such a hot-button issue, because people are debating it, it should be discussed," she said at the time. "And I’m not sure why it’s not being discussed.” 

 

Shonda Rhimes - (Source: TheMarySue)

 According to The Hollywood Reporter, Planned Parenthood were quick to praise Rhimes for her commitment to bringing the issue of reproductive rights further into the limelight:

"We applaud Shonda Rhimes tonight — and every Thursday night — for proving that when women are telling our stories, the world will pause and watch. We just hope those in Congress — and throughout the nation — who are steadfast on rolling the clock back on reproductive health care access are taking note.”

There have been several recent instances of abortion being portrayed on television and in film in a less sensationalistic and dramatic way, including the acclaimed Jenny Slate helmed film Obvious Child and an episode of Lena Dunham’s Girls which featured Mimi-Rose terminating a pregnancy.

Source: IMDB

Here at Her.ie, we proudly support #RepealThe8th and think women should be allowed access to free, safe and legal terminations. Find out how you can support the cause here.