Chelsea Handler Admits Abortion at 16, Loathes '16 and Pregnant'

By Kiki Von Glinow Posted May 25th 2011 10:40AM

She may be raking in the laughs now, but Chelsea Handler's life wasn't always so comical. In a recent interview with The New York Times, Handler divulged that she had no choice but to get an abortion when she discovered she was pregnant at 16 years old.

"I had an abortion when I was 16. Because that's what I should have done," she said frankly. "Otherwise I would now have a 20-year-old kid. Anyway, those are the things that people shouldn't be dishonest about."

But Handler has no sympathy for today's youngsters who broadcast their teen pregnancies to the world.

"We're seeking out such grossness in human behavior and want such mindless entertainment ... '16 and Pregnant.' Getting rewarded for being pregnant when you're a teenager? Are you serious? I mean, that makes me want to kill somebody."

Another thing that gets Handler riled up? The way she is characterized in the media. Although she is aware that her honesty is exactly the reason why she is often pegged as a "raunchy" comedian, Handler doesn't care for the moniker.

"That's my least favorite word, raunchy," she said. "Men are more apt to use that word about women than women are. I think that's why my audience is so female-heavy. They cheer you on, whereas men are, like, you're not supposed to talk like that."

Like her humor or not, at least Handler is an equal opportunity satirist.

"I try to make fun of everyone as often as possible, especially minorities," she said. "I'm a Jewish woman, so ..."

Tags: chelsea handler

Comments

(226)

Wednesday 25 May

By Harry Piels

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Appreciate her honesty and values. Those PG teens just aren't ready to be parents. Abortion is far better than having a child who will be a drain on society. Having the child may ensure that mom AND baby are in poverty for decades. Besides, many adopted kids have major problems themselves.

By heather

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totally agree with you abortion isnt birth control use protection !!!

By Susan

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"It makes me want to kill someone." Yes, she already did... As an adopted person I find abortion supporters offensive. But, none of you are really "pro-choice" because you don't like the fact we disagree with your choice. We don't claim to like the choice as pro-lifers... so who are the real bullies?

By Crystal

For the people who say abortion is murder...if that were true then I guess if someone makes you fall and you have a miscarriage then they are murderers too?

By Dr. J

Agreed, Marc. And if she doesn't want to appear raunchy, perhaps her jokes should not always be about sex & drugs. For Crying Out Loud, did she really think publishing a book titled "Are You There, Vodka? It's Me, Chelsea" was NOT going to get her a reputation as an unrepentant boozer? Something like that may explain how she wound up pregnant at 16 in the first place!

By hydeparkmac

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Why is that people that are opposed to abortion are never around to give a hand once the baby is here? Why is one's personal choice someone elses' busines.If anyone or everyone gets an abortion so be it. Don't give me that crap about abortion is murder because sending a personal off to war involuntarily could be considered murder.

By smapplebee

You are so wrong. Nothing hurts more than growing up knowing you were an unwanted child. Unwed teens having babies only proves, "they are not sterile".

By rose

I wonder how many Children Marc has adopted?

By elkscorpion

no the mature thing to do was not mention that in an article that way judgemental people like you would have less to talk about. face it some people shouldnt have kids and all adoptive parents are not angels

Thursday 26 May

By Tom

You are right.

By Karen

Really Susan? Isn't that exactly what you're doing - forcing your views on someone? Isn't that exactly what Chelsea Handler is doing? You're worse than an idiot, you're just a hypocrite.

Friday 27 May

By Minnie

She is still the mother of a 20 year old dead person......

minnie

By Jesse

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wow chelsea handler is disgusting! The girls on 16 and aren't getting rewarded for getting pregnant, they are taking responsibility for their actions and taking care of their children. . . . .which is what chelsea handler should've done instead of having an abortion. She didn't HAVE to have an abortion because she got pregnant when she was 16. She should've kept her legs closed or taken responsibilty for her actions!

By Amanda

They get paid to do that show! So YES! They are being rewarded. They get an initial fee, plus royalties everytime their show airs.

By Terri

They are ABSOLUTELY getting rewarded. You forget young girls would kill to have lots of money, be on the front of popular magazines and be on TV. MTV's 16 and pregnant is by far the worst thing MTV could have broadcasted. You can not glamorize a pregnancy, I promise you, I am pregnant right now and there is nothing glamorous about it other than the fact that I am thrilled about my first baby. MTV and it's 16 and prego co-stars are absolutely rediculous. My parents would not have allowed a tv show to glamorize a highschool pregnancy what the HELL is wrong with America these days...As far as Chelsea having an abortion, we don't know her current situation and really she has the ability to MAKE a choice....she chose what would be best for her. Our opinions concerning her choice are irrelavent.

By glenn

taking care of their babies???? you have to be kidding! Why then, are finding them in garbage cans and trash chutes and floating in lakes??? Get real

By Maria Watkins

Really this is a reply to all of the Anti-Abortion Crowd: Wether you believe in abortion is not relevant. What is relevant is thhe fact that a woman no matter what her age SHOULD HAVE A CHOICE!!! I personally do not want the government state or federal interfering with my body. Accidents DO happen, one must pay for that for her entire life? I think not. To all of you that bang the drum for adoption, in the US, are your being funny? Most couples want healthy WHITE babies. If you think i'm wrong, check with the local foster agency. Real life is not fair. If you are antiabortion, pro-life, are for the death penelty? you cant have it both ways. I am not for/aginst abortion. I AM FOR CHOICE!! MY BODY. MY CHOICE! Get it!

By Jessica

The girls on 16 and Pregnant do not get paid, there is a college fund for the babies that's gets started, but the parents don't. If they make it to Teen Mom, then they get paid, which I am not saying is right, but that's what happens. I'm sorry, but abortion should not be used just because a pregnancy is inconvenient, at any age. I think the teens that get pregant, should know what it is like to get pregnant, and then give it up for adoption and then maybe they will learn.

By ladyb

"It makes me want to kill somebody." You did honey, your baby.

By alan swan

You said it. What a selfish person she is, and was. She killed an innocent life and thinks she did the right thing. What an asinine remark by a disgusting human being.

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