Danielle Brooks, known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, recently shared a deeply personal experience about how going through a challenging abortion made her realise her desire to become a mother. Speaking on the Pregnant Pause podcast, the 35-year-old actress revealed details about the “difficult” abortion she underwent while taking Accutane medication. This experience had a profound impact on her perspective on motherhood. Brooks expressed that the emotional turmoil she faced during the abortion ultimately led her to understand her longing to be a mom.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/danielle-brooks-2-ee89281ea95247c5988bdf7a7e887226.jpg)
During her time on Broadway and filming Orange Is the New Black, Danielle Brooks struggled with acne, which prompted her decision to take Accutane. However, as a mandatory requirement of the medication, users must agree to have an abortion if they become pregnant. Despite this, Brooks found herself expecting a child while on Accutane. The news of her pregnancy came as a shock, but instead of fear, Brooks felt a deep sense of wanting to embrace motherhood. She shared that the realization of her desire to be a mother was a pivotal moment in her life.
The actress candidly admitted that prior to this experience, she had never envisioned herself as a mother, focusing instead on her career aspirations. The positive pregnancy test served as a catalyst for Brooks, affirming her newfound desire to embark on the journey of motherhood. She described the emotional turmoil of having to undergo an abortion, acknowledging that it was a challenging and undesired choice. Despite the difficulty of the situation, Brooks recognised that becoming a mother was now a significant part of her identity.
Brooks emphasised the importance of sharing her story, revealing that she had kept this experience to herself for a long time. By opening up about her struggles, she aims to offer support to others who may be navigating similar challenges. Reflecting on the complex emotions she faced, including guilt and self-reflection, Brooks credited her husband for being a pillar of strength during that tumultuous period. She highlighted the significance of having a supportive partner in times of adversity, expressing gratitude for his unwavering presence.
In November 2019, Danielle Brooks and her husband Dennis Gelin welcomed their daughter Freeya, who is now four years old. The journey towards motherhood was marked by a series of emotional revelations and personal growth for the actress. By sharing her story, Brooks hopes to inspire and connect with others who have faced similar struggles on their path to parenthood. Her experience serves as a testament to the resilience and inner strength required to navigate challenging circumstances and emerge with newfound clarity and purpose.
Danielle Brooks’ candid revelations about her abortion experience and subsequent journey to motherhood shed light on the complexities of such personal decisions. Her story resonates with many individuals who have faced unexpected challenges on their path to starting a family. Brooks’ openness and vulnerability in sharing her narrative underscore the importance of compassion, support, and understanding in discussions surrounding reproductive choices and motherhood.