Educational Media Reviews Online

Abortion: Add to Cart is a documentary that has greater significance following the 2022 reversal of the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision in the United States. Its focus is on the practice of self-managed abortions, or abortions performed at home using medications. The two medications in question, mifepristone and misoprostol, have had fluctuating regulations in the United States over the last few decades. Due to recent events, those wishing to obtain these pills face an uncertain future. The documentary features discussion by physicians and activists, as well as two people sharing their experiences with self-managed abortions. The speakers highlight the varied motives and challenges people have when deciding not only whether to terminate their pregnancies, but whether at-home abortions are the best option for their situations.

One of the resources featured in the documentary is Plan C, a website funded by a nonprofit that seeks to provide information to people in the United States about available online providers of abortion pills. The website includes information about each provider such as prices, delivery times, whether telehealth appointments are available, if financial assistance is available, what the legal risks are for obtaining the pills based on the patient’s location, and more. One of these providers is Aid Access, an organization run by a Dutch physician. Aid Access provides a virtual consultation to patients to determine if the medications are appropriate for them. If possible, a prescription may be sent to a local pharmacy. If not possible, due to access or legal issues, the medications can be shipped from India. As a foreign organization, Aid Access cannot be easily regulated by the United States government. However, as use of online abortion pill services may become increasingly widespread, time will tell what challenges and potential legal consequences patients may face.

Unfortunately, the documentary was completed prior to the 2022 SCOTUS decision. Therefore, it does not address how these providers will adapt to the new legal challenges. However, it is a well-made look into what will no doubt remain a prominent aspect of the abortion debate in the United States. As it is also only 35 minutes, it could be appropriate viewing during class time. It is highly recommended for university collections and courses in women’s studies, political science, or philosophy.

Awards:
Winner Best Short Documentary, Manchester International Film Festival; Winner Award of Merit, Impact Doc Awards; Official Selection, San Francisco Documentary Film Festival; Official Selection, Manchester International Film Festival; Official Selection, Hot Springs Women’s Film Festival; Official Selection, Women’s Voices Now Film Festival

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