Abolition of historic punishment in the USA since 1973 and the constitutional right to abortion marks a pivotal moment in the long struggle of women for autonomy over their bodies. This theme appears across cinema as well, reflecting health, privacy, and the social pressures surrounding reproductive choices. The following selections review essential works that document the ongoing fight for reproductive rights at a critical moment in global history.
1. ‘One Sings, the Other Does Not’
Agnes Varda captures a lived reality of her era by chronicling a public health crisis in close, almost real time. The film tracks the French Women’s Liberation Movement in the early 1970s through two young friends and their experiences with abortion and motherhood. It blends personal narratives with political critique, highlighting sincerity, activism, and the persistence of slogans that endure to this day. The moment depicted stands as a turning point, with reforms that would soon decriminalize abortion after the Veil Act of 1975 began to shape policy. This work remains timely and resonant, offering a poignant lens on a period of social change.
2. ‘A Woman’s Cause’
Claude Chabrol repeatedly probes hypocrisy and social contradictions, adapting Francis Szpiner’s novel to the postwar French setting. The narrative centers on one of the last women to seek abortion during the occupation, highlighting oppression and vulnerability within a hostile environment. The film intertwines history, politics, and intimate portraiture, with Isabelle Huppert delivering a commanding presence that anchors the drama. It has left a lasting imprint on audiences and critics alike for its fearless examination of a society under strain.
3. ‘Father Amaro’s Crime’
Carlos Carrera translates a classic novel into a Mexican context, portraying a priest who exploits a minor to coerce an abortion. The depiction provokes strong responses from diverse Catholic and pro-life groups who challenged the film’s premiere. The movie braids themes of power, deception, and double standards, using provocative material to spark debate and reflection. Its reception underscores how cinema can challenge moral authority while exploring the complexities of faith and law.
4. ‘Vera Drake’s Secret’
Set in postwar London, the story follows a humble woman who helps others obtain abortions for those facing social exile. The director renders the era’s atmosphere with quiet sensitivity, tracing the strain on families torn between loyalty and a hidden life. The work unfolds as a contemporary tragedy that emphasizes solidarity among women and the violence that can follow a woman’s reproductive choices, regardless of social standing. The film’s humane portrayal invites viewers to reflect on the costs of silence and stigma.
5. ‘4 Months, 3 Weeks, 2 Days’
Romanian director Cristian Mungiu places viewers inside a dangerous moment in the late 1980s under the Ceaușescu regime. The narrative unfolds in long, immersive takes that render fear and desperation in stark, immediate terms. The two young women confront an experience that will scar them for life, told in a stark, unflinching style that earned the Palme d’Or at Cannes. The film stands as a stark testament to the dangers of criminalized abortion and the human toll of political oppression.
6. ‘Swallow’
A young woman appears to lead a flawless life in a stylish home, but secrecy and fear drive her toward a dangerous compulsion. She starts swallowing objects to cope with anxiety, revealing a struggle against a coercive marriage and an unwanted pregnancy. The story, crafted by Carlo Mirabella-Davis, is unsettling yet empowering, presenting a first-person indictment of patriarchy and the resilience of women facing unbearable pressure. The film speaks to the broader fight for bodily autonomy and mental health support.
It also reflects a quiet, painful chapter in the history of abortion in the United States, where Roe v. Wade shaped access and stigma. The journey of two teens from a small town seeking an abortion in nearby New York unfolds with restraint and deep sadness, offering a window into loneliness and the fragile hope for a more compassionate future. The film speaks to universal themes of vulnerability and resilience while fitting squarely into discussions about reproductive rights.
8. ‘Not Pregnant’
A bright and humorous counterpoint to more somber portrayals, this road comedy follows two friends as one faces an unplanned pregnancy and chooses not to continue. The journey becomes a road movie filled with moments of levity and sharp political insight. The director shows how laughter can be a powerful tool for feminist storytelling, balancing serious themes with accessible, human moments. The film challenges stigma while celebrating agency and choice.
9. ‘Green Wave (Let There Be Law)’
This documentary surveys the rising abortion rights movement in Argentina, chronicling legislative battles and steadfast activism. It gathers powerful testimonies and street protests, capturing the passion of women who fought for control over their bodies. The film communicates anger, inspiration, and resolve, inviting viewers to consider the link between personal experience and collective action. It stands as a compelling portrait of political advocacy and feminist solidarity.
This Venice Golden Lion winner from two years ago has become a touchstone. Based on the autobiographical novel by Annie Ernaux, French director Audrey Diwan focuses on a young woman faced with pregnancy while pursuing education in the 1960s. The camera follows her through loneliness and feverish despair, presenting a raw, unflinching truth about desire, body, and social judgment. The film’s stark honesty invites viewers to reflect on the costs of societal hypocrisy and the importance of personal autonomy. It is now available for streaming, offering a provocative look at the lived experience of forced secrecy and resilience.