Actresses Who Had Abortions

Many classic actresses chose to have abortions. Some of these women were not ready to have children while others were worried a baby would hurt their career. Since abortion was illegal until 1970 they had to have secret (and sometimes unsafe) procedures.

Ava Gardner had two abortions when she was married to Frank Sinatra. She did not want to bring children into an unstable relationship.

Jean Harlow had her first abortion during her first marriage. She had her second abortion in 1936 when she was dating with William Powell.

Joan Blondell had several abortions early in her career. She felt she was not ready to be a mother.

Judy Garland had an abortion during her first marriage. MGM convinced her having a baby would hut her career.

Bette Davis had two abortions during her first marriage. She did not think she was ready to have children.


Rita Hayworth had an abortion when she was dating Howard Hughes. He wouldn't marry her and having the baby would have ruined her career.

Myrna Loy had an abortion when she was young. Unfortunately the Doctor botched the procedure and she was never able to get pregnant again.

Kay Francis had several abortions during her life. She said she never wanted to have children.

Betty Grable had an abortion after Artie Shaw left her for Lana Turner. Having a baby out of wedlock would have destroyed her career.

Lana Turner had an abortion during her marriage to Artie Shaw. She had her second abortion when she was dating Tyrone Power.

Mary Pickford had an abortion at the beginning of her career. Unfortunately the procedure had complications and she was unable to have children.

Sonja Henie had an abortion when she was young. She never wanted to be a mother.

Marion Davies had several abortions during her long romance with William Randolph Hearst. He was married and refused to divorce his wife.