About Abortion: Stories Women Tell (2017)

"Abortion: Stories Women Tell" is an American documentary released in 2017 that presents an intimate window into the lives of women in the American Midwest confronting the controversial issue of abortion. Directed by Tracy Droz Tragos, the film sheds light on various perspectives surrounding abortion, including those of women who have had abortions, adoption layers, physicians, anti-abortion activists, and women’s health clinic workers.

Making / Production

The movie was directed by Tracy Droz Tragos and produced by HBO Documentary Films. It provides an earnest and balanced representation of a topic that often incites severe divisions. The film took several years to make, as it carefully documented the stories of about 32 women, which was narrowed down to a final selection that made the final cut.

Actors

As a documentary, Abortion: Stories Women Tell features real people sharing their experiences. Here are some key participants:

• Amie: A woman who chose to have an abortion due to financial strain and the need to care for her existing children. Her candid narration provides a stark look into the difficult decisions some women face.
• Dr. Erin King: A doctor who performs abortions at the Hope Clinic. Her segment offers an inside look at the medical side of abortion.
• Kathy: An anti-abortion activist who peacefully protests outside clinics and prays for the women who enter.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The filmmaker, Tracy Droz Tragos, is a Missouri native, which helped in gaining the trust and confidence of the women sharing their stories.
• The film has no narration and lets the women speak for themselves, offering an unbiased perspective.

Quotes

Here are some notable quotes from the movie:

• "There's no right or wrong. Everyone's situation is different" - Amie
• "In a perfect world, every child would be wanted, loved, and cared for." - Dr. Erin King
• "I believe every life is precious, no matter how small." - Kathy

Music, Soundtrack

The film uses ambient music and voiceovers for a quiet but impactful accompaniment to the powerful stories being shared. It matches with the atmosphere and mood of each segment, lending weight to each woman's narrative. However, there is no distinct soundtrack listing for this documentary.