In the current issue of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Buffy weighs her options and ultimately decides to terminate her pregnancy – a decision that detractors have forced Executive Producer Joss Whedon to defend.
In the comic book, Whedon and a collective group of writers continue to explore Buffy’s life and use demons and vampires as metaphorical representations of the obstacles for growing up. The current arc reveals Buffy becoming pregnant after a drunken one-night stand. Throughout the issue, Buffy wrestles with the decision and comes to a conclusion that she’s not ready to raise a child.
“It’s a very difficult decision for her, but she made a decision that so many people make and it’s such a hot button issue with Planned Parenthood under constant threat and attack right now,” Whedon said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. “I don’t usually get soap box-y with this, but the thing about Buffy is all she’s going through is what women go through, and what nobody making a speech, holding up a placard, or making a movie is willing to say.”
Since the issue’s release, many conservatives have accused Whedon and writer Andrew Chambliss of spreading propaganda for abortions. In addition, political pundits and religious figures currently fill the airwaves to condemn women’s reproduction rights adding unnecessary shame and guilt on a private matter.
In reality, Chambliss and Whedon scripted a thought provoking storyline and brought the focus on the most important element – a young woman struggling with a difficult and heartbreaking choice. In no way does Whedon or Chambliss promote or advocate the procedure. Instead, they present a situation in an honest and organic manner and deal with an issue that young women like Buffy find themselves in.
“But it’s not about what happens, it’s about that moment of decision, and just articulating what so many people are not saying, but so many are thinking,” Whedon said.