Watch Birthright: A War Story

Birthright: A War Story is a documentary film released in 2017 that delves deep into the history, politics, and policies surrounding women's reproductive rights and healthcare in the United States. Directed by Civia Tamarkin, the film takes a critical and unflinching look at the ways in which conservative forces have sought to erode and eliminate these rights through a combination of legal maneuvering and aggressive activism.

At the center of the film's exploration is the landmark Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which in 1973 solidified women's right to choose whether to have an abortion. Birthright traces the subsequent decades of political conflict and cultural backlash that have surrounded this decision, examining the ongoing efforts of anti-abortion advocates to limit access to abortion, restrict reproductive healthcare, and chip away at Roe v. Wade's protections.

The film is anchored by a number of personal stories and testimonies from women who have been directly impacted by these issues. We hear from women who have found themselves unable to access safe and affordable abortion services due to state-level regulations or bureaucratic barriers. We learn about the ways in which the Hyde Amendment, a federal policy that prohibits funding for abortion services, has affected low-income women and women of color disproportionately. And we see how the rise of crisis pregnancy centers, faith-based organizations that purport to offer counseling and support to pregnant women but in reality often push an anti-abortion agenda, has added another layer of complexity to the landscape of reproductive healthcare in the United States.

Birthright also takes a broader look at how reproductive rights intersect with other social and political issues. The film examines the ways in which racial and economic injustices are often intertwined with reproductive healthcare, and how these issues have played out over time. It looks at the role of the conservative Christian movement in shaping policies and attitudes around abortion and birth control, and how their beliefs have dovetailed with larger conservative political agendas.

Throughout the film, Tamarkin weaves together a complex tapestry of interviews, archival footage, statistical data, and historical context to create a compelling and nuanced exploration of this crucial issue. The result is a powerful and urgent call to action, urging viewers to understand the implications of what is at stake and to take action to safeguard the reproductive rights and healthcare of all people.

In addition to its cinematic merits, Birthright has been praised for its impact on public discourse around these issues. The film has been featured in a number of venues and screenings, sparking conversations and debates in communities across the United States. It has been lauded for its accessibility and its ability to reach audiences who may not have been fully aware of the magnitude of these issues, and for its ability to spur people into action.

Overall, Birthright: A War Story is a timely and important documentary that offers a vital perspective on the ongoing efforts to restrict and undermine women's reproductive healthcare in the United States. It is a film that is both informative and emotionally impactful, driving home the urgency of the issue and inspiring viewers to get involved and take action.

Birthright: A War Story is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 45 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 70.