Educational Media Reviews Online

The filmmakers travel around the world to report on the effects of the Catholic Church's teachings on abortion and contraception. Scenes in Nicaragua feature interviews with young girls who have carried babies to term, even those as a result of incest. A case that made headlines - that of an eight-year-old girl who was raped and whose parents defied the authorities and arranged an abortion for her - is also featured. In the Philippines, workers at a women's clinic talk about the desperate need for sex education and a Congresswoman takes the film crew on a tour through her desperately poor district to visit with a family of nine. In Kenya, where condoms are not sanctioned by Catholic bishops and false information about them is circulated, health workers try to protect young people from the HIV crisis.

The filmmakers delve into the Pope's background, including the influence of Mary, the perfect Mother, and the early death of his own mother, to attempt to explain his teachings on love and marriage.

While decidedly one-sided, the film does include interviews with a Vatican Cardinal, bishops in Africa, and clinic workers, all of whom present the other side, but the film is by no means objective. Those who agree with the filmmaker's points will applaud this profoundly moving look at the lives of the poor in this world and will wonder why their spiritual leaders cannot make the connection between overpopulation and poverty. Those who believe in the official teachings on contraception and abortion will probably not be moved.

The high quality editing, photography, and sound are to be expected from a production that originated with the BBC. This film would make a good discussion starter in college classes where human rights, women's rights, or health issues are debated. General library collections are also a potential home for it, although it may be seen as controversial. An interesting look at a topic that has a global reach.