A Private Matter

A Private Matter

Year: 1992

Runtime: 92 mins

Language: English

Director: Joan Micklin Silver

DramaTV Movie

Based on the true story of Romper Room host “Miss Sherri” Finkbine, the film shows how, after the thalidomide tragedy emerged in the early 1960s, her plea to terminate a pregnancy ignited a nationwide controversy. It follows her determined fight against restrictive abortion laws, the media frenzy and the personal toll of her battle.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – A Private Matter (1992)

Trace every key event in A Private Matter (1992) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Pregnancy begins and thalidomide is taken

Sherri Finkbine learns she is pregnant and continues her life as a television host. To help her sleep, she takes thalidomide, a drug later linked to birth defects. Doctors later inform her that the fetus will have significant deformities. The news sets the stage for a difficult decision.

early 1962 Phoenix, Arizona
2

Doctor recommends legal abortion at Good Samaritan Hospital

Dr. Werner tells Sherri the fetus will be severely deformed and recommends a legal, therapeutic abortion. Abortion was illegal in Arizona, but exceptions existed when the mother's life was at risk, allowing hospital procedures under that justification. The Finkbines plan to proceed under this exception.

early 1962 Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix
3

Agreement to share her story to warn others

Before the abortion, Sherri agrees to share her story with a reporter on the condition of anonymity. An acquaintance from the Arizona Republic says he is writing about thalidomide’s harms and will protect her identity. She hopes the disclosure will warn other women about the drug.

mid-1962 Phoenix, Arizona
4

Identity exposed in newspaper; the public learns

The newspaper reveals Sherri's identity, turning her private decision into public news. The story triggers a media firestorm and intense scrutiny of the family. The publicity complicates their personal life and threatens Sherri's profession.

mid-1962 Phoenix, Arizona
5

Harassment and professional fallout

As publicity mounts, Sherri loses her job on Romper Room and Bob loses his teaching position. The family faces harassment and negative attention from the press and public. The hospital postpones the abortion to avoid the scandal.

mid to late 1962 Phoenix, Arizona
6

In-home press interview turns tense

The couple agrees to a televised interview at their home to explain their decision. The interviewer shames Sherri and describes the fetus as a baby, prompting Bob to eject him from the premises. The moment underscores how the media can weaponize maternal choice.

late 1962 Finkbine home, Phoenix
7

FBI protection is arranged

Following death threats, FBI agents are assigned to protect the Finkbines. The agency coordinates security for the family as the case draws national attention. The presence of federal agents signals how high-profile the case has become.

late 1962 Phoenix, Arizona
8

Hospital questions legality and postpones abortion

On the rescheduled abortion date, Sherri goes to Good Samaritan Hospital but is kept in secrecy to minimize attention. Hospital administrators and doctors discuss potential legal repercussions of proceeding. They ultimately decide not to move forward with the abortion.

late 1962 Good Samaritan Hospital, Phoenix
9

Private procedure or travel becomes the only options

Sherri is told that private, costly procedures are available or she could travel abroad. The family weighs expensiveness and logistics against legal risk and public scrutiny. Sweden or Japan emerge as potential destinations.

late 1962 Phoenix, Arizona
10

Japan visa denial redirects their path

Sherri seeks a visa to travel to Japan but is denied by the Japanese Consul. The denial narrows travel options and pushes the family toward other countries. The decision makes Sweden the more viable option.

late 1962 Japanese Consulate, Phoenix, Arizona
11

Decision to go to Sweden for abortion

With Sweden offering a path to termination, the Finkbines prepare to depart. They board a plane and leave for Stockholm as the abortion is granted there. The trip underscores the couple's willingness to pursue safety and privacy.

twelfth week of pregnancy, 1962 Stockholm, Sweden
12

Comments to reporters at departure

As reporters ask for comments, Sherri says, 'Don't ever go what I'm going through.' The line captures the emotional weight of their decision. The scene highlights the media cycle surrounding the case.

departure day, 1962 Stockholm, Sweden
13

Aftermath and legacy

The postscript confirms the abortion occurred in Sweden in the twelfth week of pregnancy. Bob resumes his teaching career, but Sherri is not allowed to return to Romper Room. In the years that follow, the couple has two more children.

after 1962 Arizona, United States; Sweden

Last Updated: October 09, 2025 at 10:47

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