Sally Field Shares Her ‘Traumatic Experience’ From Being a Young Mother at 17 – Meet Her Three Sons Now

Sally Field, a two-time Academy Award winner, revealed that motherhood was a transformative experience for her, stating it “saved” her. She reflected on a challenging period in her life before becoming a parent, expressing feelings of “shame” regarding that time.

Sally Field, who became pregnant as a teenager and is now a mother of three, recently spoke about a “traumatic event” from her youth. She acknowledged that she has been reluctant to share this aspect of her past for a long time.

In an October 2024 Instagram post, Sally Field expressed her hesitance to share her “horrific story.” She reflected on the societal pressures of her teenage years, describing them as “even worse than now,” particularly due to limited access to contraception, which was mostly available only to married women. In a video accompanying her post, she further explored her ordeal, revealing feelings of shame rooted in her upbringing during the 1950s.

Sally Field recounted that as a teenager, she faced limited choices, lacking family support and financial resources. Although she graduated high school, the idea of attending college was not discussed in her household. After discovering her pregnancy at 17, a trusted family doctor, along with his wife and her mother, took her across the border for a procedure that was both difficult and overwhelming. Upon arrival, the doctor parked a few blocks away, gave her an envelope with money, and instructed her to enter a building alone. Sally reflected on this experience, calling it “beyond hideous and life-altering,” suggesting that the doctor might have hoped to help her if things went wrong.

Sally Field described her experience during the procedure, stating, “I had no anesthetic.” She explained that a technician provided her with a few puffs of ether, but would take it away, resulting in a sensation that left her arms and legs feeling numb and strange.

Sally Field recounted the intense pain she felt during the procedure and revealed a shocking violation, stating that the technician was molesting her. She had to find a way to move her arms to push him away. After this traumatic experience, she was instructed to leave quickly because of the legal restrictions in place at the time. Even decades later, she expressed that she carries an “absolute pit of shame” regarding what happened.

Years later, at the age of 23, Sally Field found new meaning in motherhood with the birth of her first son, Peter Craig, in 1969, which she credited with transforming her life. In a March 2024 interview, she reflected on how becoming a mother gave her a sense of purpose, stating, “I wasn’t alone anymore.” Caring for Peter ignited a fierce resolve within her, leading her to say, “He saved my life,” and describing him as a gentle presence who brought strength and stability to her world, calling him her “savior.”

As her career soared with her role in “The Flying Nun,” Sally began her journey as a mother while married to Steven Craig. Looking back, she noted that even amid the excitement of working on set, her true focus was on her growing family. “My life was happening beside itself,” she recalled, emphasizing that her thoughts were primarily centered on the new life she was nurturing.

Now 54, Sally’s son Peter, a successful screenwriter and novelist, looks back fondly on his unique upbringing. Sally described him as a “miraculously loving parent,” admiring the warmth he brings to raising his own daughters. She expressed her pride, saying, “To raise children who go on to be great parents is an accomplishment—that’s the Oscar moment in life.”

Sally’s second son, Eli Craig, 52, a film director and screenwriter born in 1972, has his own perspective on her parenting style. While Sally shared that Eli would likely describe her as “a good and loving mom,” he playfully mentioned that she wasn’t strict enough. In response, Sally reminded him of how “uncontainable” he was as a child.

Now, as she observes Eli with his own son, Sally reflects on her role as a mother, noting that “watching your kids become parents tells you what kind of parent you might have been.”

Sally’s youngest son, Samuel Geisman, a film producer and writer born in 1987, shares a uniquely close bond with her. In an essay, he referred to himself as “a momma’s boy,” crediting their deep connection to her supportive presence throughout his childhood, stating, “We have always been incredibly close.”

When Samuel came out, Sally responded with joy, embracing him wholeheartedly. He recalled that she “didn’t even bat an eye” and was fully supportive, even attempting to set him up with his “Olympic crush,” Adam Rippon.

Despite her fulfilling career, Sally Field’s greatest pride lies in her family. She once said, “The three things I’m most proud of in my life are my sons,” highlighting her admiration for their kindness, love, and accomplishments.

Sally’s journey as a mother has profoundly influenced her life and legacy, providing stability through personal and professional highs and lows. With her three sons by her side, she embraces a life filled with purpose and love.