The Handmaid’s TaleactressMadeline Brewerrevealed her abortion story on social media shortly after Roe vs. Wade was overturned. The star discussed her decision to open up in aguest essayfor Self.
“When I decided to write thatInstagram post in June, I was one in a cacophony of voices sharing fear and anger at the overturn ofRoeand any information on how to access abortion pills. I wanted anyone who saw it to know that I understand how important it is to have abortion as an option because I’ve needed it myself.”
Brewer talks withThe Hollywood Reporterabout the fact that she felt compelled to share her story because of the Roe decision and her acting work. Brewer had just finished filming season five ofThe Handmaid’s Taleand was working on an audition for the London West End musical she is now set to star in,Cabaret.Both characters were women who had gone through an abortion.
The Handmaid’s Tale,which centers around stories involving female rights and consent, had a storyline in the fourth season in which Brewer’s character has an abortion. The abortion comes before the men in Gilead force Janine and the other women to become handmaids and live in a world without a choice.
The fifth season ofThe Handmaid’s Talejust had its season finale last week with a cliffhanger in which all the characters' fates, including Brewer’s character Janine, are left in the air.
Related:The Handmaid’s Tale Delivers Another Cliffhanger Leading to the Season 5 Finale
HowThe Handmaid’s TaleSeason Finale Sets up Season 6
Madeline Brewer’s Janine and the other characters inThe Handmaid’s Talewill all return for a final season. Naomi brings Janine to work for her in exchange for visits with her daughter, but Janine tells Naomi that she hates her. It is unclear whether Janine’s actions will send her to a penal colony after she is handcuffed by the Eyes and driven away in a white van.
The other female leads are also left with their fate uncertain as the forces of Gilead continue to control them.Elizabeth Moss,who plays June, andYvonne Strahovski, who plays Serena, have a moment where it seems they may forge an unlikely alliance as they both end up on a train together, trying to escape to a safe place.
The sixth and final season ofThe Handmaid’s Taledoes not have a confirmed air date yet but is estimated to premiere in the fall of 2023.
