New Documentary Examines Hollywood’s Stigmatization of Abortion

A recent documentary, “Hollywood Does Abortion,” suggests that the entertainment industry has long portrayed abortion in a negative light. The film debuted at the Tribeca Film Festival on Sunday, highlighting how films and television from the 1970s to today have often relied on harmful and misleading portrayals of abortion and the individuals who seek it.

For instance, the documentary points out that in popular shows like “Roseanne” and “Party of Five,” characters often face dilemmas about having children. Yet, they are rescued from having to make a choice through plot devices like false positives or miscarriages. It suggests that this trend promotes a skewed understanding of abortion rather than a realistic one.

Activists noted that the documentary features different angles on the issue, citing examples from films such as “Dirty Dancing” and “The Sopranos,” where women suffer severe consequences from abortions or are left infertile due to complications. This contradiction in Hollywood’s liberal reputation, paired with these negative depictions, raises questions about the underlying messages conveyed through media.

The filmmakers, Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater, and Mike Attie, contend that despite attempts to increase abortion representation in media, much of it remains negative. Attie emphasized, “While Hollywood is often seen as progressive, abortion has faced significant stigma over the years.” They elaborated on how storylines often depict characters grappling with their choices, frequently leading to tragic outcomes, which sends misleading messages.

Goldwater added that when abortions are shown, the focus tends to be on exaggerated health risks or overwhelming regret afterward. She noted that research suggests the opposite: individuals denied abortions often face regret and negative consequences, while those who do have one usually feel relief rather than remorse.

The documentary also received mixed reactions. Pro-life advocates, including Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, labeled its portrayal of abortion as a challenging topic for discussion. The documentary argues that historical portrayals in Hollywood have often served to control and manipulate narratives around women’s choices.

Public relations director Kelsey Pritchard commented on how Hollywood has historically relied on abortion narratives and coercion to cover various societal issues, pointing out that women undergoing abortions frequently deal with significant mental health challenges, especially when pressured into unwanted procedures.

Pritchard further criticized organizations such as Planned Parenthood for their role in normalizing abortion in films, suggesting that while genuinely impactful stories often succeed, attempts to diminish the seriousness of the issue frequently fail commercially.