By Paul Stark, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life (MCCL)
MOVIES ARE probably our culture’s most influential method of storytelling. That’s why pro-life filmmakers are increasingly using movies to tell powerful stories that show thetruth about abortion and the value of every human life.‘Gosnell’ reveals what media wouldn’t.
In late 2018, the film “Gosnell” hit theaters nationwide. It depicts the investigation and trial of Kermit Gosnell, the Philadelphia abortionist who ran a clinic dubbed a “house of horrors” by investigators and who routinely delivered babies alive before severing their spinal cords. Gosnell’s shocking murder trial was widely ignored by the media, and the filmmakers overcame a series of obstacles to bring this true story to the big screen.
Unplanned’ touches lives
This spring, “Unplanned” overcame similar challenges to open in fourth place (far above expectations) at the box office. It tells the true story of Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who dramatically switched sides after participating in an abortion and has since became became an outspoken pro-life advocate.
In the first few weeks after the film’s release, some 100 abortion center workers reached out seeking to leave the industry as a result of the film’s message. Many pregnant women have reported opting against abortion after seeing the film.
Ashley Bratcher, the star of “Unplanned,” shared in a FOX News interview: “To be able to hear someone come to you and say I was so affected by your work that I decided, instead of having an abortion, that I’m now going to have my child, I don’t know how to really explain how that feels—that you could potentially have just saved a life.”
Support these important films
“Gosnell” is now available on DVD and video on demand (see gosnellmovie.com), and “Unplanned” may still be playing in some theaters (see unplannedfilm.com to find showings).
Another pro-life film, “Roe v. Wade,” is expected to be released later this year. It tells the story behind the infamous U.S. Supreme Court decision that eliminated legal protection for unborn children.
Please support these important movies and share them with others!