Kelsey Grammer has opened up about his complex emotions surrounding abortion in his new memoir, “Karen: A Brother Remembers,” which also addresses the tragic rape and murder of his younger sister. The 70-year-old actor candidly reflects on his past relationships and the impact of abortion on his life.
In the memoir, Grammer reveals that two of his former partners chose to have abortions while they were together. He expresses deep regret over one specific incident in 1974 when his girlfriend became pregnant. Although he was open to keeping the baby, he did not insist on it, stating, “I supported the idea that a woman has the right to do what she wants with her own body. I still do. But it’s hard for me. Still is.”
Grammer shares the painful memory of assisting with the procedure, saying it haunts him: “I volunteered to have my son’s body vacuumed out of his mother’s. I regret it.” He directs criticism at the medical professionals who perform such procedures, questioning their commitment to the principle of “do no harm.”
The memoir also recounts a later experience when Grammer and his fourth wife, Kayte, faced a heartbreaking decision during her pregnancy. Initially expecting fraternal twins, they learned that one fetus had a ruptured sac, and the doctors advised that the continued growth could endanger both the infants. After much contemplation and prayer, they made the difficult choice to terminate the male fetus to save their daughter, Faith. Grammer poignantly writes about the sorrow of that moment, stating, “We killed our son so Faith might live.”
Grammer has seven children, and through his memoir, he shares not just his sorrow but also the weight of his decisions, reflecting the deep emotional struggles surrounding the topic of abortion. His revelations offer a personal perspective on the complexities and moral dilemmas that can accompany such choices.
This confession emphasizes the sensitive nature of reproductive rights and the often conflicting emotions that can arise from personal experiences. Grammer’s willingness to confront these complicated feelings may resonate with many, shedding light on the shared struggles surrounding the subject of abortion.