Abortion is a deeply complex and often controversial topic that has been explored in cinema for many years. Films about abortion cover a wide range of perspectives, from personal and emotional narratives to political and social commentary. These movies often aim to provoke thought, open discussions, and sometimes advocate for change by presenting stories that explore the moral, ethical, and personal dilemmas surrounding abortion. Here’s a list of films that delve into the topic with their unique storytelling approaches:
“Vera Drake”, 2004
Director: Mike Leigh
Directed by Mike Leigh, this period drama film is set in 1950s England and tells the story of Vera Drake, a compassionate woman who performs illegal abortions for women in need. The film explores the consequences of her actions when the authorities discover her secret.
Starring: Imelda Staunton, Peter Wight, Daniel Mays, Alex Kelly, Adrian Scarborough, Heather Craney, Eddie Marsan, Jim Broadbent, Sally Hawkins, Ruth Sheen;
Production year: 2004;
Genre: drama, crime;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,6;
More information about the film “Vera Drake” on the website imdb.com
“If These Walls Could Talk”, 1996
Director: Cher, Nancy Savoca
This HBO television film is a triptych of stories set in different decades (1952, 1974, and 1996), all taking place in the same house. Each segment deals with the women who reside there and their experiences with abortion. It's notable for its exploration of the changing attitudes and laws regarding abortion in the United States over time.
Starring: Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, Xander Berkeley, Cher, Anne Heche, Shirley Knight, Catherine Keener, Jason London, CCH Pounder, Kevin Cooney;
Production year: 1996;
Genre: thriller, drama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 97 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,9;
More information about the film “If These Walls Could Talk” on the website imdb.com
“Obvious Child”, 2014
Director: Gillian Robespierre
A romantic comedy-drama directed by Gillian Robespierre, the film stars Jenny Slate as a stand-up comedian who must navigate the unexpected waters of her own unplanned pregnancy and the decision to have an abortion. The film is noted for its frank and humorous take on the subject.
Starring: Jenny Slate, Paul Briganti, Gaby Hoffmann, Stephen Singer, Richard Kind, Polly Draper, Gabe Liedman, Jake Lacy, Cindy Cheung, Ernest Mingione;
Production year: 2014;
Genre: drama, melodrama, comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,7;
More information about the film “Obvious Child” on the website imdb.com
“Never Rarely Sometimes Always”, 2020
Director: Eliza Hittman
Directed by Eliza Hittman, this American-British drama follows two teenage cousins from Pennsylvania to New York City on an uncompromising journey, as one seeks to terminate an unwanted pregnancy. The film is lauded for its empathetic portrayal of young women and the obstacles they face in accessing abortion services.
Starring: Sidney Flanigan, Talia Ryder, Théodore Pellerin, Ryan Eggold, Sharon Van Etten, Kelly Chapman, Kim Berrios Lin, Drew Seltzer, Carolina Espiro, Eliazar Jimenez;
Production year: 2020;
Genre: drama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 101 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Never Rarely Sometimes Always” on the website imdb.com
“After Tiller”, 2013
Director: Martha Shane, Lana Wilson
This documentary film directed by Martha Shane and Lana Wilson focuses on the four remaining doctors in the United States who performed third-trimester abortions after the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in 2009. The film explores the intense ethical and personal debates surrounding late-term abortions.
Starring: George Tiller, Warren Hern, Leroy Carhart, Susan Robinson, Shelly Sella, Edna Hern, Scott Belt, Lynne Branigan, Jon Bruning, Melissa Head;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: documentary, news, drama, biography;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 85 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
“The Cider House Rules”, 1999
Director: Lasse Hallström
Directed by Lasse Hallström and based on John Irving's novel of the same name, this film tells the story of Homer Wells, an orphan who grows up in a Maine orphanage cum abortion clinic under the care of Dr. Wilbur Larch, an obstetrician and abortion provider. The film navigates themes of family, love, and the morality of abortion.
Starring: Tobey Maguire, Charlize Theron, Delroy Lindo, Paul Rudd, Michael Caine, Jane Alexander, Kathy Baker, Erykah Badu, Kieran Culkin, Kate Nelligan;
Production year: 1999;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 125 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “The Cider House Rules” on the website imdb.com
These films, among others, offer a range of perspectives on the subject of abortion, reflecting its complexity and the diverse experiences of those who navigate its challenges.
Films about abortion walk a complex narrative tightrope, blending the personal, political, and ethical dimensions of a topic that continues to evoke passionate discourse worldwide. These films, varying in genre, tone, and perspective, do more than just tell a story; they ignite conversations, challenge prevailing societal norms, and reflect the multifaceted experiences of individuals facing an abortion. Whether through the lens of a drama deeply rooted in the emotional turmoil of the decision or via narratives that incorporate elements of comedy and hope, these films elucidate the reality that abortion is not a monochrome issue but a spectrum of human experiences. It is through these cinematic explorations that audiences are invited to empathize, question, and understand the profoundly personal yet universally divisive decision that is at the heart of the abortion debate. In doing so, these films contribute significantly to the ongoing dialogue, encouraging a deeper, nuanced engagement with an issue that affects lives far beyond the silver screen.
