The new movie Unplanned delves into the grim, horrific, and masterfully disguised reality of abortion. The first scene introduces Abby Johnson, a former clinician and eventual director at Planned Parenthood. The film then flips back, following her (true) story from college, her rise through the ranks at Planned Parenthood, and finally to her resignation and joining of the movement for Life. The film depicted numerous scenes of Planned Parenthood employees and processes, along with Abby’s struggle to find support for her career from both her husband and parents, the continual presence of the 40 Days For Life Campaigners outside the clinic, and Abby’s eventual jump to the other side of the fence. The film ultimately serves to bring to the table the political arguments of both sides of the abortion topic, to reveal what is hidden from the public eye- concerning abortion, the Life movement, as well as the mindset of industries such as Planned Parenthood.
Personally, I am an avid supporter of the Pro-Life movement, however this movie served more-so to ground each side into their opinion rather than fight for life. First of all, I was disappointed to see the directors depicted the Planned Parenthood staff as cold, unfeeling, and purely evil. I believe this was done to display the business aspect of PP, the partially accurate mindset of “selling abortions”, but this did more to emphasize a bias than anything. Secondly, I was disappointed that the film did not introduce the other options that stand for women in situations that would lead them to consider an abortion. Not only are there resources to help women continue with the pregnancy in a safe and healthy way, but there is also adoption, which was never mentioned.
Still, I think the movie succeeded in bringing to light a controversial topic, and taking a firm stand and telling a true and important story to the public.
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