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New York, NY — Planned Parenthood is proud to have collaborated on the award-winning film, Never Rarely Sometimes Always, the first feature to show the impact of a state abortion restriction on someone’s ability to access safe, legal abortion.

Planned Parenthood Federation of America worked closely with writer and director Eliza Hittman and the cast and crew of Never Rarely Sometimes Always to ensure the film accurately represents existing abortion restrictions and the experience of accessing abortion. The film shows how current state laws have made it increasingly more difficult for people to obtain a safe, legal abortion, such as by forcing them to cross state lines or visit several health centers.  

On Friday, March 13, the film will open in select cities, with a wider release to follow.

Statement from Caren Spruch, Senior Director of Arts and Entertainment Engagement at Planned Parenthood Federation of America:

“This film couldn’t be more timely. Reproductive freedom is on the line: State politicians have been steadily chipping away at our health and rights, and now, the right to decide if and when to become a parent is in the hands of the Supreme Court. As politicians aim to control our reproductive futures through extreme policies, films like Never Rarely Sometimes Always do so much to help increase understanding and correct misinformation by telling honest, medically accurate stories that reflect people’s real experiences."

Statement from Eliza Hittman, Writer and Director of Never Rarely Sometimes Always:

“Never Rarely Sometimes Always presents an urgent opportunity to combat stigma around the fundamental right to access safe and legal abortion that is currently at risk in this country. The film illustrates the great distances people must travel — from rural areas and across state lines — and the additional hurdles they face to access an abortion. I’m grateful to have worked with Planned Parenthood to ensure this harrowing reality was told accurately and authentically. It’s ultimately a film about resistance, and I hope it will inspire change."

In the film, “Autumn” — played by Sidney Flanigan — must cross state lines and navigate other barriers to get the information, support, and health care she needs. She visits a crisis pregnancy center, which offers biased information and limited services, and two Planned Parenthood of Greater New York health centers, where she ultimately receives high-quality, compassionate care.  

Abortion access is currently hanging by a thread across the country, and the Supreme Court could cut it for millions of Americans. Since 2011, legislators have passed over 450 restrictions on abortion — despite the fact that there is no state where making abortion illegal is popular. If the Supreme Court guts Roe v. Wade and access to reproductive health care, it could pave the way for states to effectively ban abortion for over 25 million people.

Never Rarely Sometimes Always is one of several timely films, including Saint Frances and Swallow, that are combatting abortion stigma and misinformation through honest, authentic stories. In addition, Planned Parenthood and We Testify recently released “Ours To Tell,” a short film that disrupts common misconceptions about abortion — such as who has access, why they do, and how that access can lead to rich and empowered lives. As a leading health care provider and educator, Planned Parenthood is proud to have worked with hundreds of writers and filmmakers over the years to ensure the accuracy of their storylines on sexual and reproductive health issues, including safe, legal abortion.

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Planned Parenthood is the nation’s leading provider and advocate of high-quality, affordable health care for women, men, and young people, as well as the nation’s largest provider of sex education. With approximately 650 health centers across the country, Planned Parenthood organizations serve all patients with care and compassion, with respect and without judgment. Through health centers, programs in schools and communities, and online resources, Planned Parenthood is a trusted source of reliable health information that allows people to make informed health decisions. We do all this because we care passionately about helping people lead healthier lives.

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