Margaret Cho, the renowned actress and comedian, has recently opened up about her experiences with pregnancy and abortion, expressing relief at her decision not to have children. During a candid discussion on the Dinky Podcast, the 57-year-old shared her thoughts on pregnancy, revealing that she found the experience physically uncomfortable and ultimately chose to terminate her pregnancies, which were a result of relationships with notable figures in the entertainment industry.
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Cho stated unequivocally, “I have gotten pregnant a few times and every time I’m like, ‘No no no, I don’t want this.’” The comedian elaborated on her perspective, describing pregnancy as an unpleasant physical sensation that left her with an overwhelming sense of aversion. Reflecting on these instances, she said, “Even for the very brief times that I was pregnant, it was so unpleasant.”
The decision to terminate her pregnancies came swiftly for Cho, who noted that her last pregnancy occurred around a decade ago, resulting in a miscarriage and subsequent D&C procedure. Such experiences have shaped her views on bodily autonomy, a topic she has been an avid advocate for throughout her career.
During the podcast, Cho added a humorous twist to her narrative, mentioning that the pregnancies she terminated were by “high-profile men” in the industry. Although she refrained from disclosing their identities, she remarked, “The other people that I’ve gotten pregnant by would’ve [fathered] formidable nepo babies now.” Her comedic flair was evident as she joked about having potentially contributed to a new generation of talent, referring to these hypothetical children as “really excellent wasians.”
A consistent theme in Cho’s work has been her advocacy for discussing women’s reproductive rights. Throughout her career, she has spoken openly about her past abortions, integrating the topic into her stand-up routines. In a previous interview, she emphasised the importance of normalising conversations around abortion. “I talk a lot about abortion, and people get really freaked out. I’m not even making a political statement. I’m just talking about what happened!”
Cho’s commitment to bodily autonomy has resonated deeply with audiences, as she passionately asserts, “I don’t care what your views are toward abortion, I just think women should be talking about it.” This statement encapsulates her belief that open discussions surrounding abortion can help reduce the stigma often associated with it.
She further reflected on societal attitudes towards abortion by positing that, if men were the ones facing such decisions, the discourse would be vastly different. “If males had to have abortions, it would be something that was routinely discussed, and the emotional life of it would be really examined,” she pointed out, succinctly highlighting the gender disparity in conversations about reproductive health.
Margaret Cho’s willingness to share her experiences and advocate for women’s rights underscores her role as a significant voice in contemporary discussions about bodily autonomy and reproductive health. Through her comedic lens, she invites audiences to re-examine societal narratives around abortion, urging a shift from stigma to understanding.
In a world where discussions on reproductive rights can often become polarised, Cho stands as a beacon of clarity, reminding us of the personal nature of these decisions. Her candid approach encourages not only dialogue but also a collective empathy towards the myriad experiences women face regarding pregnancy and abortion.