From Dirty Dancing to GLOW: How abortion on screen has changed

Dawson’s Creek (2000). Still image via Warner Bros.

Dawson’s Creek (2000)

In Dawson’s Creek S04E05, Dawson’s mother Gail discovers after weeks of horrible stomach illness that she is actually pregnant. A number of factors make her decide that she wants to get an abortion, a decision to which Dawson takes incredible offense. Gail and her husband both seem to think that an abortion is the best idea, given their financial situation, the stress her body went through when she had Dawson, and the supposed mistakes Gail has made as a mother.

However, Dawson thinks the decision to get an abortion is the wrong one, and vocalizes his beliefs repeatedly. Gail tells him in no uncertain terms that the decision is hers and hers alone, and that even if he hates her for it, she will still do what is best for her.

This discussion is interesting (if uncomfortable) because it presents a new perspective on abortion that is not often seen in media. Although Degrassi High took time to focus on Heather’s reaction to her sister getting an abortion, and several shows and films take the time to focus on parents or friends, very few show a parent getting pregnant and a child reacting.

Dawson tells Gail that opting not to have another kid because of mistakes she made raising him is nonsensical. He tells her that he grew up with a great mother who taught him to never let mistakes hold her back, which is apparently something that she needs to hear. However, framing this argument and subsequent bonding moment around an abortion is a little bit bizarre.

Gail does not end up getting an abortion on Dawson’s Creek — apparently her son’s feelings matter more than she originally stated — but this depiction is unique, and often gets overlooked.