Stevie Nicks Reveals Abortion Decision Saved Fleetwood Mac's Future
- Stevie Nicks fell pregnant while in a relationship with Don Henley during Fleetwood Mac's peak success.
- Facing the reality of touring with a baby, she decided to have an abortion, believing it was the best choice for her career.
- Nicks remains unapologetic about her decision, highlighting the difficulties female musicians face in balancing personal and professional lives.
In the late seventies, during her relationship with Don Henley, Stevie Nicks discovered she was pregnant despite using an IUD. As Fleetwood Mac was experiencing significant success after their 1977 album 'Rumours,' Nicks faced a difficult decision. She reasoned that having a child would disrupt her music career, stating she could not have her baby on tour nor hand it over to a nanny. Reflecting on the gravity of motherhood, she concluded that the band's success would ultimately be compromised, and decided to terminate the pregnancy. Nicks expressed that she does not regret her decision despite potential criticism, emphasizing her commitment to her career and lifestyle. She highlighted the pressures of being a female musician and the unique challenges within the band, pointing out the rarity of having multiple lead female singers in a rock context. Ultimately, Nicks remains unapologetic about her choice, framing it within her life plans established long before and the challenges of balancing personal choices with a demanding career.