Dr. Rebecca Gomperts has campaigned worldwide to make abortion accessible and safe through the Dutch organization Women on Waves, which was founded in 2000 to provide shipboard abortions in international waters. Filmmaker Diana Whitten follows Gomperts and Women on Waves on their initial campaigns to Ireland (2001), Poland (2003), and Portugal (2004), before showing how the organization has expanded to encourage grassroots campaigns and disseminate information in over 23 countries. On those early trips, Women on Waves received hundreds of desperate emails and calls; but encountering hostile media coverage, public protests, and even Portuguese warships, they were unable to see any women in Ireland or Portugal. In 2004, a frustrated Gomperts appeared on Portuguese television to explain how women could end unwanted pregnancies, using pills that were commonly available worldwide. The response to this announcement changed Women on Waves' approach; in countries where abortion was illegal they could now direct women to the World Health Organization website, which explains how to use the abortion pill. This protocol is explained in detail here using simple animation that illustrates how to take the pills, what to expect, when to seek medical help, and what to say to avoid legal consequences. Overwhelmed by the number of women contacting them for help, Women on Waves also launched Women on Web, which provides online support, establishes local groups who provide services, obtains medicine, and speaks out for legal abortion, while also training women in other countries to do the same. Excerpts from hotline calls and e-mails underscore the fact that many women seek abortions as a matter of economic (or even literal) survival. Central figure Gomperts is an eloquent and impassioned advocate for safe abortion. Highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (M. Puffer-Rothenberg)
Vessel
(2014) 97 min. DVD: $149 ($349 w/PPR). DRA. Kino Lorber Edu. Volume 31, Issue 1
Vessel
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