"Bearing babies irresponsibly is simply wrong"—When a Murphy Brown sitcom character sparked political controversy

When Murphy Brown premiered on CBS in 1988, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon, known for its sharp wit and unflinching portrayal of a fiercely independent woman navigating her career and personal life. Candice Bergen played Murphy, a divorced, hardworking journalist who didn't follow the usual rules in the male-dominated world of television news.

By the early 1990s, the show was at the height of its popularity, with its blend of humor and commentary reflecting the evolving roles of women in society. However, its bold storytelling unexpectedly caused a political debate during the 1992 U.S. presidential election.

The debate started when then-Vice President Dan Quayle criticized the show for showing single motherhood, especially focusing on Murphy's choice to raise a child by herself.

“Bearing babies irresponsibly is simply wrong. Failing to support children one has fathered is wrong, and we must be unequivocal about this,” Quayle said in a speech shortly after an episode aired in which Murphy gave birth.

The remark sparked national debate with many people thinking he was not only talking about the fictional character but also women’s evolving family roles.

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The controversy revolving around the Murphy Brown sitcom character

The political controversy surrounding Murphy Brown began after the season 4 finale, titled “Birth 101,” aired on May 18, 1992. In this episode, gives birth to a child conceived with her ex-husband and decides to raise the baby alone after he refuses to take responsibility.

The episode was watched by over 33.7 million people and resonated with audiences as it reflected the shifting dynamics of family life, with more people choosing different ways to live and raise children.

The next day, Quayle's speech caused a big controversy. Although he was talking about the 1992 Los Angeles riots, he blamed social problems on the “breakdown of family structure.” He criticized how popular culture praised single mothers while “mocking the importance of fathers.”

Quayle specifically mentioned the TV show, Murphy Brown, accusing it of making fun of the importance of fathers and presenting single parenting as just a normal life choice.

This statement quickly led to strong criticism, with liberals and feminists accusing Quayle of shaming women for their personal choices while ignoring systemic issues like poverty and racism. The creators of Murphy Brown did not shy away from the controversy.

“If the Vice President thinks it’s disgraceful for an unmarried woman to bear a child, and if he believes that a woman cannot adequately raise a child without a father, then he’d better make sure ab*rtion remains safe and legal,” said the main writer, Diane English

The debate soon spilled over into the show’s storyline. When Murphy Brown returned for its fifth season, the writers addressed Quayle’s remarks directly. In one episode, Murphy responds to his critique of her fictional news program, highlighting the diverse realities of modern families.

“I’d like to introduce you to some people who might not fit into the vice president’s vision of a family. But they consider themselves families nonetheless,” Murphy says during the broadcast, showcasing different family structures.

Quayle’s criticism caused a quick reaction. Many women, from different political sides, spoke out against his comments. Ultimately, Quayle’s comments failed to resonate with the electorate, as Murphy Brown continued to thrive, and Bill Clinton unseated George H.W. Bush in the November election.

The Murphy Brown controversy strengthened the legacy as a cultural touchstone and highlighted the ongoing conflict between traditional ideas of "family values" and the evolving realities of modern family life.

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Watch Murphy Brown on Amazon Prime Video