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I could not find a better title for this post than the film itself...which I had the privilege of watching last week-end.
A compelling glimpse into the complexities of religion and politics and how they impact health care and human rights. There are many shocking elements to this documentary, not the least of which are the windows into the lives of various women who are so intensely dis-empowered by their sex.
The right to terminate an unwanted pregnancy is a deeply rooted and complicated question for many people - and many reasons. But at no point in all of history has conception been a female phenomenon (let's not discuss the tale of the Virgin Mary). And yet, it seems that for many of these women pregnancy and birth has become a gendered burden. One of fear, desperation, guilt, hopelessness, grief and often, mortality.
And these are not issues exclusive to Poland, or South Africa, as illustrated in the film. They're everywhere. Despite our progress in reproductive and sexual health, women in Canada still struggle with this burden. Religion, politics and geography affect education and access to reproductive health services in Canada. The number of physician's trained to perform abortions have diminished significantly after a series of violent threats swept across the country in the 1990's. The few health care professionals who choose choice also choose chance.
This clinical skill is a choice based on personal values. Anyone who has studied in a health profession knows to leave their bias at the door. So, why does reproductive health remain an exception?
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