Silent Choices

"There is nothing else out there about abortion that focuses on the diverse and real experiences of African American women. Everyone who cares about racial and reproductive justice must see Silent Choices."
–Marlene Gerber Fried
Director, Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program
Hampshire College

MORE ABOUT THE FILM

"Silent Choices" is about abortion and its impact on the lives of African American women. The film is a "hybrid" documentary: part historical piece, part social and religious analysis and part first-person narrative. 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 (or stayed silent on the issue), "Silent Choices" examines the juxtaposition of racial and reproductive politics. Three black women also share their stories of the abortions they had, including a woman's wrenching tale of the illegal procedure she endured. African Americans who oppose abortion were also interviewed, and the film wraps up with a montage of responses to a comment made by one of the pro-lifers, that abortion is a white woman's issue.

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High School•College/University

60 minutes • DVD

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REVIEWS

"Silent Choices explores not only black women's personal and political struggles around reproductive freedom, but also the complexities of abortion too often ignored by the mainstream media. Silent Choices is essential viewing for students, scholars, and activists interested in reproductive justice for all women."
Dorothy Roberts
Author, "Killing the Black Body"
Professor, Northwestern University School of Law

"Silent Choices is an essential addition to the film collection of anyone interested in the abortion debate. It moves adeptly beyond the easy binary of 'pro-choice or pro-life' to demonstrate that abortion is about people's lives and beliefs."
Jeannie Ludlow, Ph.D.
Bowling Green State University

"A solid investigation into the social, economic, and political aspects of reproductive rights for African-American women."
3 stars
Justin Wadland
Video Librarian
full review

"Abortion is the issue that reveals how America defines the meaning of life. I thank [Faith] Pennick for giving black women an opportunity to speak for themselves."
Mary Mitchell
Chicago Sun-Times

"evenhanded and informative"
Chicago Reader

More Reviews

AWARDS / SCREENINGS

WINNER - Best Documentary, Roxbury Film Festival
WINNER - Best Documentary, Reel Sisters of the Diaspora Film Festival (New York)
Black Harvest Film Festival (Chicago)
Charlotte Film Festival
Black Lily Film and Music Festival (Philadelphia)
Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival
National Museum of Women in the Arts Film Festival (Wash. D.C.)

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