A Private Matter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.