Silent choices
“Abortion is a white woman’s issue and black women have more important things to worry about!” –Annette, friend of the filmmaker, in 1995“Abortion is the issue that reveals how America defines the meaning of life. I thank Pennick for giving black women an opportunity to speak for themselves.” –Mary Mitchell, Chicago Sun-Times Silent Choices examines the politics of abortion and their impact on the lives of African American women. Long relegated to the periphery of debate and policy making on this subject, African American women will be front and center in the film’s analysis of abortion and reproductive issues.
The 60-minute film examines the juxtaposition of racial and reproductive politics; the film takes a viewer on a journey from the early 20th century to the present day and depicts how African Americans contributed to and were affected by abortion and family planning. From African Americans’ cautious involvement with Margaret Sanger during the early birth control movement to black nationalists and civil rights activists who staunchly opposed abortion and birth control–or stayed silent on the issue–Silent Choices unmasks the complexities of this extremely emotional issue among African Americans.
Notable experts interviewed for the film include National Black Women’s Health Imperative founder Byllye Avery, Northwestern University School of Law professor Dorothy Roberts, African American Women Evolving President & Co-founder Toni Bond Leonard, former Black Panthers chairman Elaine Brown and Rev. Carlton Veazey, President & CEO of the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice. The film also tells the stories of Lori, Qrescent and Angela, three African American women who had abortions.
- Metteur en scèneFaith Pennick
- AuteurFaith Pennick
- ProducteurFaith Pennick
- PaysUSA
- GenreDocumentary
- Année2007
- Métrage60 min
- SujetAvortement
- LanguesEnglish
- DoubléGerman
- Genre Documentary
- Année 2007
- Métrage 60 min
- Sujet Avortement
- Pays USA