Abortion and Women’s Rights 1970 is the first documentary ever made about supporting abortion rights in the United States. Now available for the first time digitally, this film, made by women activists before the Supreme Court legalized abortion in 1973, allows women to tell stories about their illegal abortions. White, Black, and Latino organizers speak out about high rates of Black maternal mortality, forced sterilization, and drug testing on people of color. They call for universal health care. This film’s extraordinary archival footage reminds us of the conditions and demands that drove the movement for women’s and abortion rights fifty years ago. And inspires us to fight for reproductive justice today.

This 28 minute film provides a unique window into a critical moment in history that can be used in courses in women and gender studies, feminist studies, sociology, American history, politics, law, health and medicine, film and media. It also provides ideal programming for campus and women’s centers seeking to promote thoughtful discussions about critical issues of our times.