Netflix’s ‘Too Much’: Lena Dunham on Normalizing Abortion

Lena Dunham is set to launch her new Netflix series, “Too Much,” co-created with husband Luis Felber and starring Megan Stalter, on July 10. While the show’s trailer promises comedic moments, Dunham revealed a significant thematic element: a storyline directly addressing abortion rights.

Speaking at a preview event for “Too Much,” where she notably wore a Planned Parenthood pin, Dunham emphasized her deliberate choice to use the series as a platform for women’s rights. She expressed pride in the show’s ability to depict reproductive care in a positive light, calling it “really, really important” to her as an artist.

Dunham elaborated on her intent, stating, “As an artist, I’m proud… that we get to be part of showing people all over the world a healthy woman making a super self actualized choice to get reproductive care [from] a really true, loving abortion provider, because those people are heroes.”

The creator of “Girls” explained her motivation to shine a light on organizations like Planned Parenthood during what she considers a “really pivotal moment” for reproductive rights. While acknowledging that television might not directly alter political landscapes, she believes it holds power in normalizing essential health procedures like abortion for viewers, particularly young people.

“What we can do is normalize very normal health procedures like abortion for our audience,” Dunham said, adding that she hopes to show young viewers considering care at Planned Parenthood that it is “a loving, safe place.”

This isn’t Dunham’s first time advocating for Planned Parenthood. In 2017, she released a star-studded animated tribute to the organization, featuring prominent figures such as Meryl Streep, Mindy Kaling, Jennifer Lawrence, and America Ferrera. At the time, she described the project as an effort to highlight Planned Parenthood’s historical impact and ongoing efforts to serve communities.

Beyond its significant thematic elements, “Too Much” centers on the character played by Megan Stalter, a workaholic seeking solitude in London after a failed relationship, whose plans are complicated by meeting a new man (played by Will Sharpe). The series boasts a talented cast, including Andrew Rannells and Rita Wilson, with guest appearances from Andrew Scott, Naomi Watts, and Rhea Pearlman.

However, Dunham’s statements clearly signal that “Too Much” intends to weave a crucial social message about the importance of accessible and destigmatized reproductive healthcare into its narrative.