Delving into the intricate aspects of Marilyn Monroe's life, the Netflix film 'Blonde' has stirred controversy for its portrayal of the Hollywood icon's motherhood experiences, particularly focusing on her abortion encounters.
Critics have labeled 'Blonde' as a misogynistic film, citing its supposed pro-life stance in depicting Marilyn Monroe's (portrayed by Ana de Armas) abortion experiences. This narrative has prompted questions about whether Monroe, renowned for her role in 'Gentlemen Prefer Blondes,' ever became a mother in real life.
Despite being married three times, Monroe did not have children from any of these unions. According to Michelle Vogel's book 'Marilyn Monroe: Her Films, Her Life,' Monroe earnestly desired motherhood but tragically never carried a pregnancy to term. Vogel emphasizes, “Marilyn loved children and she was desperate to be a mother. Sadly, she never carried a baby to term.”
While Monroe didn't have biological children, she found solace in spending time with kids through her involvement in children's charities, as documented by Donald Spoto in 'Marilyn Monroe: The Biography.'
Addressing the question of Marilyn Monroe's pregnancies, 'Blonde' depicts three abortions in the Netflix film. However, biographer Michelle Vogel reveals that Monroe experienced three pregnancies during her marriage to Arthur Miller, but none of them resulted in a successful birth.
In 1956, Monroe faced her first known pregnancy, which ended in a miscarriage. The following year, an ectopic pregnancy occurred, where the egg attached outside the uterus, resulting in the loss of the fetus. In 1958, during the filming of 'Some Like It Hot,' Monroe became pregnant again but suffered another miscarriage.
Dr. Leon Krohn, Monroe's gynecologist, confirmed in Donald Spoto's book that the actress had "two spontaneous abortions and an ectopic pregnancy that required an emergency termination." Vogel attributes Monroe's fertility challenges to endometriosis, a condition causing pain, heavy bleeding, and infertility.
Furthermore, Vogel suggests that Monroe's use of pills and alcohol might have been a form of self-medication to cope with her medical condition and navigate the complexities of her life. “Monroe's known use of pills and alcohol was likely self-medication to treat this medical condition, as well as countless other aspects of her complicated life,” explains Vogel.
