New Film from Planned Parenthood and Refinery29 on Roe v. Wade Anniversary Highlights the Stories of Women who Choose Safe, Legal Abortion

For Immediate Release: Jan. 25, 2016

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New York, NY — Today, Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and Refinery29 debuted a short film featuring Planned Parenthood patients who share their personal stories about accessing safe and legal abortion. The film, Her Shorts: Abortion, portrays three Planned Parenthood patients talking about their decision to have an abortion and why it’s so important that they tell their stories.On the 43rd anniversary of Roe v. Wade, as politicians continue to chip away at women’s access to safe and legal abortion, there’s never been a more important time to raise awareness about the need for continued access to abortion in America.

The film is part of a partnership between Planned Parenthood and Refinery29 called Her Shorts, a series of short films told through a dramatic or comedic lens that focus on reproductive and sexual health issues.

You can watch the video here.

“We’re so grateful that women are speaking out and sharing their personal stories about abortion,” said Caren Spruch, director of arts and entertainment engagement at PPFA. “The decision about whether to have a child, end a pregnancy, or choose adoption belongs to each individual woman, and no one else. At Planned Parenthood, we trust women to make their own, fully informed reproductive health care decisions. We hope this film will help others understand the importance of the ability to do just that.”

"We created the Her Shorts film series with Planned Parenthood to shed light on all of the services that Planned Parenthood provides, from well woman exams to cancer screenings and abortions," said Amy Emmerich, Chief Content Officer of Refinery29. "Refinery29 has never shied away from discussing taboo topics, and we wanted to show support for the courage we saw in our audience when discussing abortion, a topic that should not be seen as shameful. It is our mission to use our platform to amplify their voices and create judgement-free conversations."

Her Shorts: Abortion is part of ongoing efforts by Planned Parenthood and other sexual and reproductive health organizations to reduce stigma and change the conversation around safe and legal abortion. Nearly a third of women in America make the decision to end a pregnancy, and every woman's decision about her pregnancy should be respected and valued.

“In order to ensure abortion remains safe and legal for future generations, we must replace misinformation with the facts and start having honest conversations about abortion in America today. Film and television can help challenge stigma about abortion and change the conversation. We’re thrilled that Refinery29 and the filmmakers behind Her Shorts: Abortion recognize this fact," Spruch said.

At Planned Parenthood, we provide all of our patients with full information about their options — whether it’s raising a child, ending a pregnancy, or choosing adoption. Abortion is a deeply personal, often complex decision for a woman to make in consultation with her doctor, her family, and her faith. We work hard to ensure that  women can make their own medical decisions, without coercion, shame, or judgment. 

For more information about abortion and all pregnancy options, or to find a health center near you, visit plannedparenthood.org.

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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 over 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.