Watch Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa

Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa is a 2019 documentary directed by award-winning filmmakers Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater, and Mike Attie. The film follows the work of the women who volunteer at the Reproductive Health Services abortion clinic in Montgomery, Alabama. The Reproductive Health Services clinic is the only abortion provider in Montgomery, and it is constantly in danger of being shut down due to political pressure and targeted attacks by anti-abortion groups. In this hostile environment, the clinic's staff - most of whom are women of color - work tirelessly to provide access to safe abortions and support to those who seek them.

The film centers on Lisa, the fearless and compassionate operator of the clinic's helpline. Lisa spends her days fielding calls from women who are seeking abortions, often from poor or rural areas where abortion access is limited or nonexistent. Through Lisa's work, the film illuminates the many barriers that exist to accessing abortion - from legal restrictions to socioeconomic limitations to personal stigma and shame.

The film is a powerful testament to the importance of abortion access and the hard work of those who fight for it. It is deeply humanizing, showing us the faces and stories of the women who seek abortions and the staff who support them. At the same time, it is clear-eyed about the political and legal realities of the fight for abortion rights, and the ongoing threats and challenges faced by clinics like Reproductive Health Services.

One of the film's most striking features is its innovative use of animation to illustrate the stories of the women who call the helpline. The animation is beautiful and affecting, adding a layer of emotional weight to the already powerful stories being told.

Overall, Abortion Helpline, This Is Lisa is a remarkable piece of storytelling that shines a light on a vital aspect of women's health and rights. It is a film that resonates deeply, urging us to recognize the humanity of those who seek abortions and the courage of those who provide them.