Personhood: Policing Pregnant Women in America is a powerful documentary that delves into the issue of fetal personhood laws that are increasingly being passed in several states in America. The film exposes how these laws not only undermine the rights of women but also pose a serious threat to their health and well-being. The movie, filmed in 2019, has a runtime of approximately 82 minutes and features interviews with Tamara Loertscher, Cherisse Scott, Sara Ainsworth, and several other prominent activists, scholars, and lawyers. The documentary is directed by Jo Ardinger, and produced by Rosalie Miller.
The film opens with an exploration of the history behind fetal personhood laws and the role of the anti-abortion movement in promoting these laws. The viewer is introduced to the devastating consequences of these laws, such as criminalizing women for their behavior during pregnancy, and denying them the right to make their own reproductive choices.
Through interviews with women who have been targeted by these laws, the documentary highlights the grim reality they face â being surveilled, prosecuted, and punished for losing their pregnancies or engaging in behaviors that may be deemed harmful to the fetus. The narrative reveals how these laws have been used to intimidate, coerce, and monitor women during pregnancy, leading to an increase in maternal mortality rates and other health complications.
The documentary also highlights the role of medical professionals, particularly obstetricians and gynecologists in upholding these laws. The narrative reveals how, in some cases, health care providers are required to report pregnant women to law enforcement agencies for suspected drug use or other behaviors that may pose a threat to the fetus. The documentary sheds light on how these laws have eroded the doctor-patient relationship, with many medical professionals torn between their obligations to their patients and their fear of being prosecuted for not complying with the law.
The documentary further explores the impact of these laws on marginalized communities, particularly women of color and those living in poverty. Through interviews with activists and scholars, the viewer is exposed to the ways in which these laws contribute to racial and economic inequalities in healthcare, housing, employment, and education.
Overall, Personhood: Policing Pregnant Women in America is a poignant and thought-provoking documentary that exposes the dangerous consequences of fetal personhood laws. The film urges viewers to reflect on the impact of these laws on women's rights, health, and wellbeing, and calls for a repeal of such laws to ensure that women have access to safe and comprehensive reproductive healthcare, free from shame, stigma, and punishment.
In conclusion, Personhood: Policing Pregnant Women in America is a must-watch documentary for anyone interested in women's rights and healthcare. The film is not only informative but also engaging, and the narrative is a call to action for all those who believe in the dignity and autonomy of women. The documentary is a powerful reminder of the ongoing struggle for reproductive justice and the need to shift the discourse from treating pregnant women as criminals to advocating for their rights as human beings.
Personhood: Policing Pregnant Women in America is a 2021 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 20 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.8.
