20 Documentaries about Abortion

Between 1973 and 2000, the USA witnessed over 2400 physical attacks on doctors, resulting in 7 murders and the destruction of more than 150 clinics. The documentary sheds light on the US Christian terrorist organization, the Army of God.

A graphic documentary on both sides of the abortion debate.

Apart from political phrases about 'life' and 'death,' there are real stories of real women who have had abortions. Each year in the U.S., there are 1.3 million abortions, yet this topic remains a thorn in the side of many. Ten women of various ages, races, and faiths, including well-known feminist Gloria Steinem, share their experiences. From an 86-year-old woman recounting her long-ago abortion in her teenage years to Robin Ringlek-Kottke, who, as an 18-year-old pro-life Catholic, unintentionally became pregnant.

The Abortion Pill, aka Mifepristone, shows how history repeats itself. Invented in 1982, the film follows the pill's decades long journey to the US market, bringing stunning clarity to today's controversy.

This documentary examines the American Christian terrorist group Army of God and its sympathizers, who use bombs, firearms, chemicals, kidnappings, death threats, and other terror acts against abortion clinics and their associates.

When did feminism become a bad word? Why is it that young independent, progressive women in today's society feel uncomfortable identifying with the F-word? Join filmmaker Therese Shechter as she takes a funny, moving and very personal journey into the heart of Feminism, circa 2005. Armed with a video camera and an irreverent sense of humor, Therese talks with Feminist superstars, rowdy frat boys, liberated Cosmo girls and Radical Cheerleaders, all in her quest to find out whether Feminism can still be a source of personal and political power.

Director Penny Lane has a dinner party to talk to different women about their abortion experiences.

Two Catholic women who have reconciled their faith with their support of the right to choose travel across Wisconsin to spread their message.

A film chronicling the March For Women's Lives in Washington D.C. on April 25th 2004.

The abortion battle continues to rage in unexpected ways on one corner in an American city.

This thought provoking, sometimes troubling documentary examines the personal and ethical imperatives that drive abortion providers to continue in the face of often dangerous legal and personal harassment.

Hasan recently joins a factory where Hacer works and brings hope to her life. Their story unfolds against a backdrop of 70's class struggle.

Pregnancy is a death sentence for more than half a million women every year, but their deaths would be preventable if they could obtain the health care they needed. This documentary focuses on the personal stories behind those statistics.

A fearless sea captain sails a ship through loopholes in international law, providing abortions on the high seas, and leaving in her wake a network of emboldened activists who trust women to handle abortion on their own terms.

The film consists of first person stories which reveal the physical, emotional and legal consequences of having or providing an abortion when it was a criminal act.

The documentary explores the history of the fight for women's reproductive rights in the USA. It highlights the dedication of those who helped move abortions from dangerous back alleys to safe, legally recognized clinics.

Reproductive rights are now well-established, and abortions are technically legal and available in most states. However, safe and legal procedures remain out of reach for many women. Cost, distance, and restrictive legislation create barriers, especially for low-income women. The documentary features interviews with women, their doctors, lawyers, pro-choice advocates, and others, highlighting that "legal" does not necessarily mean "accessible."

A look at the courageous legal and extralegal efforts of those who fought to break the silence, change the laws and end the shame which surrounded abortion when it was a crime in the United States.

In 'What's the Matter with Kansas?' a politically active Kansas megachurch splinters, moves to an amusement park, and when that fails, a Best Western motel. Meanwhile, an idealistic farmer revives Kansas' progressive tradition, taking his message all the way to Washington, D.C.

In a small town in 1940's America, the local doctor's home would be the safest place to seek refuge. Or is it? In this alternate history short film, Mr. Connors discovers not only that the doctor is 'out', but that his wife is taking desperate measures to feed her family.