Five Abortion Movies You Should Watch

Pro-choice themed films, depicting real people’s experiences

I have had some long flights this summer while travelling so decided to pass time by watching films about abortion. Consuming pro choice media, is a small act of activism. We show that we want to see films that reflect women and people’s real experiences rather than anti-choice propaganda. Here are five excellent films you should watch this summer.

The Cider House Rules

The Cider House Rules is a poignant and powerful adaptation of the book of the same name. It follows the story of Homer Wells, a young man raised in an orphanage, who decides to leave and explore life. The film's exploration of pro choice themes is particularly moving, with the doctor who runs the orphanage considering abortion an important part of his caring work. There is a heartbreaking scene where Homer and the doctor have to dig the grave of a young woman who had an unsafe abortion. Through his experiences, Homer becomes increasingly pro choice as he gains a deeper understanding of the realities of the world.

4 months 3 weeks 2 days

"4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days" is a subtitled film set in communist Romania in the 1980s. The story follows a student who helps her friend obtain an illegal abortion, despite the risk of imprisonment. The film highlights the oppressive nature of Decree 770, which imposed strict restrictions on contraception and abortion, and placed the burden of responsibility solely on women. The characters' isolation and desperation are palpable, and the abusive back alley abortionist is a chilling reminder of the dangers women faced during this time. Although the film's subject matter is difficult, it is an important testament to the lengths people will go to when they are desperate and have had all choices removed.

Warning: Some scenes are graphic and may be upsetting.

Interesting fact: much of The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood was based on Decree 770.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always

"Never Rarely Sometimes Always" is about a teenage girl who travels from Pennsylvania to New York City to obtain an abortion. The story highlights the challenges and barriers that young people face when seeking reproductive healthcare, including the lack of public funding for abortions and parental consent laws. The scene at the crisis pregnancy center is particularly relevant, as the protagonist is lied to and shown anti-abortion propaganda. The film is ultimately uplifting, as the main character receives the compassionate care she needs at Planned Parenthood. The girl’s journey to NYC is not without its obstacles, including a mob of anti-abortion protesters. As someone who has witnessed similar harassment outside my local hospital in Glasgow, I found the portrayal of the protesters to be particularly realistic and chilling. A timely, relevant and important film.

Happening

"Happening" is a compelling film set in 1960s France about a young woman's journey to obtain an illegal abortion. The story is based on a book, and while there are some differences between the two, the film is a powerful reflection of the lengths women will go to when they need access to reproductive healthcare. You can’t help but feel the protagonist’s utter despair and desperation, and there is an especially upsetting scene where she attempts to carry out her own abortion after being denied help by everyone else she reaches out to. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the dangers and obstacles that women faced during this time, and the importance of safe and accessible reproductive healthcare. A topical, affecting and thought-provoking film.

Lingui, The Sacred Bonds

"Lingui the Sacred Bonds" is a powerful film set in Chad that explores themes of family, sisterhood, and reproductive rights. The story centers around a woman who defies the law and religion to help her daughter obtain an illegal abortion. The film also touches on other important issues such as female genital mutilation and abuse. The portrayal of the struggles that women face at the hands of men and religion is both heartbreaking and enraging. Of all the films I watched, "Lingui the Sacred Bonds" was my favorite. The story is deeply moving, and the performances are outstanding. A must-see, thought provoking film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.