Shorts lineup:

• Abortion and Women’s Rights, 1970 directed by Catha Maslow, Jane Pincus, Mary Summers, Karen Weinstein, 28 minutes, English, US, 1970

  The film tells the illegal abortion stories of two women, one middle class and one working class, in pre-Roe v. Wade Massachusetts. Both Sue and Marie describe the fear, anxiety, financial strain, and health consequences of illegal abortion. Using statistics available at the time, the film highlights the lethal consequences of restrictions on birth control and access to abortion. More than 800,000 women had illegal abortions in 1970: 300,000 suffered complications and up to 8,000 died. Poor women of color were 90% of those who died, and their maternal mortality rate was (and is) four times that of white women.

• With a Vengeance: the Fight for Reproductive Freedom directed by Lori Hiris, 40 minutes, English, US, 1989

  This urgent and timely film is a history of the struggle for reproductive freedom since the 1960s, reflecting the wider history of the contemporary women's movement. WITH A VENGEANCE is an empowering look at the strength and breadth of the current women's movement which asks why current battles resemble those of the 60s. Rare archival footage and interviews with early abortion rights activists, including members of Redstockings and the JANE Collective, are intercut with young women who testify to the need for multi-racial grassroots coalitions. Flo Kennedy and Byllye Avery exemplify African American women's roles as leaders, making connections between racism, reproductive freedom and healthcare for the poor.

• Abortion Helpline, This is Lisa directed by Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater, and Mike Attie, 13 minutes, English, US, 2019

  At the Philadelphia abortion helpline, counselors arrive each morning to the nonstop ring of calls from women and teens who are seeking to end a pregnancy but can’t afford to. In this short documentary we learn how economic stigma and cruel legislation determines who in America has access to abortion.

The screening will take place on March 16th at 5:00 PM followed by a discussion with Dr. Gloria Sutton and Dr. Margot Abels. This event is free and open to the public. 

Location:

Northeastern University

Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Complex

Room 102

805 Columbus Ave

Boston MA 02120