Netflix recently released a new series titled "Sex Education," and it is now being praised for its accurate depiction of abortion. A lot of people commended the show for its portrayal of what abortion can be like - which is a sensitive topic.
Sex Education premiered on January 11, and it focuses on sex and what young people do and don't know about it. The show follows a group of high school students who are trying to figure out their sexuality and the implications that can come with it - including abortion.
In episode 3, Maeve (Emma Mackey) decided to get an abortion after discovering she is pregnant. The episode received the biggest praise as it shows Maeve chatting with a nurse and counsels her about her decision and offers her contraceptive options.
In an article from Teen Vogue, Helen Weems - the founder of US organization All Families Healthcare and a family nurse practitioner - said the experience of Maeve is mostly true to life. The character was in the abortion clinic, sitting on a medical bed and talking with a nurse - offering her contraceptive options and counseling her on her choice. She said the staff was very professional, the clinic was bright and clean, and Maeve has cared very well.
Weems said that's what independent abortion clinics should look like. She likes how the provider talked to Maeve about contraception and offered her reliable option without being so pushy. They offered choices and information but respected the choice of Maeve about contraception.
The nurse also told Maeve about adoption option but doesn't further push the subject. Weems said the series showed how the character gets a full range of information and she's allowed to choose without the feeling of being pressured.
But, she also criticized a scene on the episode where Maeve was told she needed someone to accompany her as she might need to undergo general anesthetic, thus creating "unnecessary anxiety." Weems noted portraying abortion matters, so saying general anesthesia is required might trigger unnecessary anxiety for those seeking abortion care.
Meanwhile, Mackey also commended the scene for "demystifying" abortion. The actress said the series tried to get the abortion storyline right, so it would not be further stigmatized. She said they had a medical expert on set, who is guiding them throughout the procedure and showing what should and shouldn't be done to make sure the scene would be realistic. She added that they didn't want to sensationalize abortions, considering it is a sensitive topic.
