15 Documentaries about Abortion That Shed Light on This Controversial Topic
Discover the 15 most thought-provoking documentaries about abortion that provide a comprehensive and unbiased view of the topic.
These documentaries explore the ethical, social, and political aspects of abortion, challenging viewers to think critically and make up their own minds.
Abortion is a highly controversial topic that has been debated for decades. It is a complex issue that touches upon ethical, social, and political dimensions, and as such, it has inspired a range of documentaries that offer different perspectives on the topic.
From exploring the lives of women who have had abortions to examining the political and legal struggles surrounding the issue, these documentaries offer a comprehensive and nuanced view of abortion.

In this article, we will introduce you to 15 documentaries about abortion that are worth watching.
15 Documentaries About Abortion
1. Abortion
The documentary discusses the topic of abortion and how it has been a polarizing issue since 1973 when it was legalized in the US. The video advocates for love instead of taking sides, either pro-life or pro-choice.
The video encourages the viewers to find out the truth and make a difference instead of adding more noise to an already heated discussion. The video also shares a personal story of a woman who was pregnant at 19 and kept her baby but acknowledges that everyone has their personal convictions and choices.
The documentary also discusses the statistics of abortion in the US and how it is the most deadly killer, resulting in over 2,000 abortions happening every day in the US. The documentary acknowledges that it is not trying to illegalize abortion and that women will still have a choice after watching it.
The goal of the documentary is to provide resources for women who may not know about them and to raise awareness about the issue.
2. The Abortion Divide
The Abortion Divide is a documentary by FRONTLINE that revisits the issue of abortion three decades after their first documentary on the subject. The documentary focuses on the escalating conflict between those who are pro-choice and those who are pro-life.
The film takes a look at the people on both sides of the debate, as well as the women who are caught in the middle. It discusses the issue of abortion in-depth, including the 24-hour waiting period and the complexity of the choices that women must make.
The documentary also features interviews with women who have had abortions and their stories, as well as anti-abortion activists who oppose the procedure.
3. El Salvador’s extreme anti-abortion laws
“El Salvador’s extreme anti-abortion laws.” It tells the story of Teodora del Carmen Vásquez, a woman who was sentenced to 30 years in prison in El Salvador for aggravated homicide after suffering a stillbirth.
Abortion is illegal in all circumstances in El Salvador, and women who have miscarriages or stillbirths are often accused of having had an abortion and are subject to lengthy prison sentences.
The video describes the harsh conditions of the prison where women are held and the lack of due process in the legal system. Many women who are incarcerated are poor and have limited access to legal representation.
This situation has been criticized by human rights organizations, which argue that it violates women’s rights and contributes to the criminalization of poverty.
4. Abortion in Europe
“Abortion in Europe” highlights the story of Valentina Milozzo, who died in Italy due to the refusal of doctors to perform an abortion on moral grounds.
The documentary reveals that Italy’s laws on abortion are antiquated, and while the country has granted women the right to abortion within the first three months of pregnancy, doctors are not obligated to carry out the procedure if they object to it.
Over 70% of gynecologists refuse to perform consultations and abortions on moral grounds, and this number is on the rise.
The documentary also shows that religious organizations and conscientious objectors are pressuring women’s reproductive rights in Italy and other European nations.
5. After Tiller – Documentaries about Abortion
After Tiller is a 2013 documentary that follows the lives of the four doctors in the United States who still perform third-trimester abortions after the assassination of Dr. George Tiller in 2009.
This documentary provides an intimate and moving portrayal of the difficult choices that these doctors face every day, as well as the threats and harassment they receive from anti-abortion activists.
6. Abortion: Stories Women Tell Abortion
Stories Women Tell is a 2016 documentary that explores the lives of women in Missouri, one of the states with the most restrictive abortion laws in the US.
The film features interviews with women from different backgrounds who share their personal stories about their experiences with abortion, shedding light on the social and economic factors that influence their decisions.
7. 12th and Delaware
12th and Delaware is a 2010 documentary that examines the abortion debate from the perspective of a street corner in Fort Pierce, Florida. On one side of the street, there is an abortion clinic; on the other, there is a crisis pregnancy center that aims to persuade women not to have abortions.
This documentary offers a powerful insight into the tactics and strategies used by anti-abortion activists and their impact on women’s access to abortion.
8. How Roe v. Wade Came Under Attack Before | The Last Abortion Clinic
The documentary “The Last Abortion Clinic” by FRONTLINE explores the battle over abortion rights in the United States, focusing on the last abortion clinic in Mississippi.
Pro-Life Mississippi, a powerful right-to-life group in the state, has been working to make Mississippi the first abortion-free state in the nation and has successfully closed down five abortion clinics.
The documentary discusses the history of the abortion wars, including the landmark case of Roe v. Wade and subsequent challenges, such as the Casey case which established the “undue burden standard” for evaluating abortion laws.
The documentary also highlights the tactics used by pro-life groups, such as enacting state-level legislation to restrict abortion and requiring informed consent, and the ongoing protests and harassment faced by the last remaining abortion clinic in Mississippi.
9. How the Anti-Abortion Rights Movement Took Down Roe
The documentary “How the Anti-Abortion Rights Movement Took Down Roe” delves into the recent overturning of the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade by the Supreme Court.
It thoroughly examines the strategies employed by the anti-abortion rights movement, including the active involvement of organizations like Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) and their emphasis on religious freedom.
Additionally, the documentary sheds light on the repercussions of the decision on women seeking abortions, especially in states with limited access to abortion care, and the potential consequences on maternal health and mortality rates.
Through interviews with individuals involved in the movement and those impacted by the decision, such as a young woman seeking an abortion and a medical director at Planned Parenthood, the documentary offers a comprehensive exploration of the topic.
10. Backstreet Abortions in the Philippines: Year of Mercy
The documentary “Backstreet Abortions in the Philippines: Year of Mercy” discusses the issue of illegal abortions in the Philippines, despite the passage of a reproductive health law aimed at providing access to contraceptives, sex education, and maternal care.
The Philippines is a country where religion is closely intertwined with the state, and teenage maternal deaths are increasing, with illegal abortions being a significant contributor.
The documentary delves into the challenges faced by young Filipino women living in poverty, particularly in densely populated slums, who may resort to backstreet abortions performed by unqualified practitioners or using abortion medicines or potions purchased from the market.
The documentary also explores the limited options available for young women facing crisis pregnancies, including a Catholic solution offered by a minister in Manila that provides an alternative to abortion but raises its own ethical concerns.
The documentary highlights the risks and dangers associated with illegal abortions in the Philippines, including death threats, blackmail, and police entrapment faced by medical practitioners who provide such services.
11. The Abortion Diaries
The Abortion Diaries is a 2005 documentary that features interviews with women who have had abortions. The film offers a rare insight into the emotional and psychological impact of abortion on women’s lives, challenging the stigma and shame that often surround the topic.
12. Abortion – The Choice – BBC documentary
The BBC documentary “Abortion – The Choice” delves into the experiences of women in the UK who have made the decision to have an abortion. It brings to light the emotional turmoil and challenging decision-making process that many women face when confronted with an unintended pregnancy.
The documentary features interviews with women who have chosen to have an abortion, exploring their reasons which may include concerns about their ability to cope with a newborn, being young or feeling unprepared for parenthood, and the desire to maintain control over their own lives.
The documentary also acknowledges the complex emotions of guilt and regret that some women may experience following an abortion.
It seeks to illuminate the multifaceted and deeply personal nature of the decision to have an abortion and encourages viewers to empathetically consider the perspectives of those who have undergone this experience.
13. Abortion Access in the Maritimes
The documentary is focused on abortion access in the Maritimes, specifically New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, and it sheds light on the challenges you face when seeking abortion services in these regions.
It highlights the limited access to abortion clinics, the closure of such clinics, and the need to travel and pay out-of-pocket for services. The documentary also includes an undercover visit to a so-called “pregnancy crisis center” that does not provide abortions and instead promotes anti-abortion rhetoric.
It underscores the unique barriers you encounter when seeking an abortion in the Maritimes compared to other parts of Canada, such as financial costs and limited options.
14. Is Abortion Murder?
In the documentary “Is Abortion Murder?”, you will witness a discussion that delves into the topic of abortion from various perspectives. Participants express a wide range of viewpoints, with some advocating for making abortion illegal and criminalized, while others argue for the right to choose abortion as a personal decision.
Both sides acknowledge that nobody likes abortions, and some participants share personal accounts of the physical and emotional toll of undergoing an abortion. The documentary also addresses the stigma surrounding abortion and how it is portrayed in the media.
Participants engage in a dialogue about the role of men in decisions about abortion and emphasize the importance of considering individual circumstances such as financial stability and relationship issues.
The video includes personal stories from individuals who have had abortions or have been affected by them, as well as those who are against abortion. The discussion underscores the complexity and diversity of views surrounding the topic of abortion.
15. AKA Jane Roe
In the documentary “AKA Jane Roe,” you will learn about the life of Norma McCorvey, also known as Jane Roe, who was the plaintiff in the landmark Roe v. Wade case that played a pivotal role in legalizing abortion in the United States.
The documentary delves into McCorvey’s challenging childhood, her early marriage and pregnancy, her involvement in the pro-choice movement, and her eventual conversion to Christianity and anti-abortion activism.
It sheds light on the complex and controversial life of McCorvey, including her struggles with exploitation, abuse, and betrayal, as well as her efforts to share her authentic story.
FAQs:
Are these documentaries biased?
These documentaries offer a range of perspectives on the topic of abortion, and while they may have a point of view, they strive to present a comprehensive and nuanced view of the issue.
Are these documentaries graphic?
Some of these documentaries may contain graphic or sensitive material, so viewer discretion is advised. However, they are all thought-provoking and worth watching for anyone interested in understanding the abortion debate.
Do these documentaries offer solutions to the issue of abortion?
While these documentaries do not necessarily offer solutions to the issue of abortion, they do provide a deeper understanding of the social, ethical, and political dimensions of the topic, which is a crucial step toward finding a resolution.
Conclusion
Abortion is a complex and controversial issue that touches upon many aspects of our society.
These 15 documentaries offer a comprehensive and nuanced view of the topic, exploring the lives of women who have had abortions, examining the political and legal struggles surrounding the issue, and challenging viewers to think critically about the ethical and moral dimensions of abortion.
Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, these documentaries provide an opportunity to deepen your understanding of this important issue and engage in meaningful conversations about reproductive rights and justice.
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