Kerry Washington's Abortion Scene: Healing & Choice

0:00Here's more entertainment and celebrity news for March 19. Carrie Washington recently opened up about filming an abortion scene on the TV show Scandal, where she played Crisis Expert Olivia Pope. The episode aired during the show's fifth season in 2015, right as a character filibustered a bill-cutting funding for Planned Parenthood. Washington shared these thoughts in an interview on the Call Her Daddy podcast this week. She explained that acting out the procedure was not upsetting for her, but actually healing. Having gone through an abortion herself years earlier, she used the role to express her own story without anyone knowing at the time. After the episode, she felt less burdened and more at peace with her past choice. The scene drew strong backlash from conservative groups back then, who saw it as Hollywood pushing an agenda. Despite network worries, the overall fan response turned out milder than expected, according to show creator Shonda Rhymes. Washington stressed the value of women controlling their own bodies and making personal decisions.

1:02She admitted dealing with shame from her pregnancy at the time, but the experience helped her build stronger boundaries and self-honesty. Looking back, Rhymes noted how fans proved more open-minded than studio executives predicted. Washington's reflections highlight ongoing conversations about choice and personal truth in entertainment. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. A pillow that plays your sound quietly, comfortably, effortlessly.