Plan C 2023
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Tracy Droz Tragos, Beth Kearsley, and Jess Jacobs
Directed by Tracy Droz Tragos
Streaming, 94 mins or 60 mins
College - General Adult
Abortion; Drugs; United States
Date Entered: 09/26/2023
Reviewed by Kathleen H. Flynn, Science Librarian, University at AlbanyThe film Plan C provides a glimpse at the fallout of the 2022 decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to reverse Roe v. Wade and how activists are responding to the increased need to educate Americans on options available to them. The grassroots organization in question, Plan C, works to spread the word about self-managed abortions and connect patients with providers of the medications.
The film feels like an unofficial sequel to the 2022 film, Abortion: Add to Cart. Both films discuss the use of two medications, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, to perform self-managed abortions. Unfortunately, Abortion: Add to Cart was completed right before the 2022 SCOTUS decision. Therefore, while it discussed the Plan C organization and their outreach methods, it also educated on all aspects of at-home abortions such as safety, motivations, challenges, etc. Due to the changes in abortion access in the United States, the tone and pacing of the film Plan C is faster and more frantic.
Although the film does include background information on the history of abortion access in the U.S., the Plan C organization, and the process of an at-home abortion, it mostly focuses on the struggles providers and the organization are facing to adapt to the new legal hurdles. This tension is highlighted by the blurred faces and distorted voices of many of the providers who live in fear for their personal and legal safety. It also leaves the pacing feeling a bit rushed and disorganized. Given the uncertainties around abortion access, this pacing isn’t entirely inappropriate. Although the film cannot provide answers on what the future will bring, it at least assures worried Americans that there are still people committed to distributing information and expanding access to abortion medications.
The film is highly recommended for courses in women’s studies or political science.
Awards:Official Selection: SXSW; Sundance 2023; Athena Film Festival; Milwaukee Film Festival; Martha's Vineyard Film Festival; Denver Films Women + Film Festival; DeadCenter Film Festival; Nevada City Film Festival; San Francisco Jewish Film Festival
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