I Had An Abortion. Documentary.

In light of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision this week on a woman's right to choose...

A new film I acquired for instructional use at the campus... I Had An Abortion.

Underneath the din of politicians posturing about "life" and "choice," beyond activists yelling about murder and rights, these are the stories of women who have had abortions. The documentary features 11 women, ages 21 to 85, telling their abortion experience.

It's being distributed by the Women Make Movies film distributor, a great organization I get most of the films I use for my students. WMM specializes in films by and about women. Information at the Speak Out agency, too.

A few weeks ago I used another film for instructional use, The Last Abortion Clinic. Some states, such as Mississippi, have only ONE health care facility devoted to educating women on their choices. After watching the film, I was amazed at how the majority born in 1987 and 1988 audience (mostly women) didn't think anything was wrong with their right to choose on their personal health, bodies, and well-being being challenged... because, in their opinion, the procedure is wrong. Period.

Just plain black and white. No gray. No critical thinking about the overall historical or gender significance of having the right to choose, regardless of if they'd use the option or not. The 1987/1988 women didn't seem to have a problem that their right to choose has generally been handled and legislated by men. That puzzles me.

Men don't carry the babies, so men shouldn't decide. Period. And those who want to discourage women from exercising their minds and choice, don't provide any financial, psychological, or professional options for the women they discourage from exercising their minds and choice... for ALL 21 years they're responsible for the baby. It's like, have the baby; we won't help you take care of the baby.

Anyway, if you're in a position to screen films and get people thinking, you might consider picking up the titles for instructional use in your organization or classes.

As well, if you care about women's rights, this would be a very good time for you to investigage where your presidential candidates stand on a woman's right to choose.
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