10 Heart-Wrenching Melodramas on Abortion

Description: This dark comedy follows Ruth Stoops, a drug-addicted woman who becomes the center of a media frenzy when she decides to terminate her pregnancy, highlighting the absurdity of the pro-life and pro-choice debates.

Fact: Laura Dern's performance as Ruth earned her a nomination for the Independent Spirit Award for Best Female Lead.

Description: This adaptation of John Irving's novel explores the life of an orphan who becomes an apprentice to a doctor who performs abortions, delving into themes of choice, responsibility, and the ethics of abortion.

Fact: Michael Caine won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Dr. Larch.

Description: Vera Drake is a compassionate cleaner in 1950s London who secretly performs illegal abortions. The film delves into the moral complexities of her actions and the societal repercussions when she's caught.

Fact: Imelda Staunton received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role as Vera Drake. The film won the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Description: This film subtly touches on the topic of abortion through the backstory of its main character, a nurse who has her own history with the procedure, affecting her interactions with others.

Fact: Sarah Polley stars in this film, which was directed by Isabel Coixet, known for her sensitive portrayals of complex human emotions.

Description: Juno deals with a teenage girl's unexpected pregnancy and her decision to give her baby up for adoption, touching on themes of choice and the consequences of abortion.

Fact: Ellen Page's performance as Juno earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress, and the film won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay.

Description: Set in Communist Romania, this film captures the harrowing experience of two college roommates as they navigate the illegal abortion process, showcasing the lengths to which women went to control their reproductive rights.

Fact: The film won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, making it one of the most acclaimed Romanian films of all time.

Description: Although not directly about abortion, this film includes a poignant scene where the protagonist, a polio survivor, discusses his mother's decision to have an abortion, reflecting on the impact of that choice.

Fact: John Hawkes received widespread acclaim for his portrayal of Mark O'Brien, a poet and journalist with polio.

Description: While primarily a romantic drama, this film includes a subplot where the female protagonist faces the decision of whether to terminate her pregnancy, adding depth to the narrative.

Fact: The film is based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks, known for his emotionally charged stories.

Description: This anthology film presents three stories set in different eras, each focusing on a woman's decision to have an abortion. It's a powerful exploration of how societal norms and personal circumstances influence such a choice.

Fact: The film was directed by three different women, each bringing their unique perspective to the narrative. Demi Moore, Sissy Spacek, and Cher star in the respective segments.

Description: This documentary features real women sharing their personal stories of abortion, providing an intimate look at the emotional and psychological impact of their decisions.

Fact: The film was produced by the National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League (NARAL) to promote open dialogue about abortion.