By Dennis Hartley

(Originally posted at Digby’s Hullabaloo on June 13, 2026)

Considering the complexity of the topic, it’s amazing how much ground this documentary (directed by Barbara Attie, Janet Goldwater and Mike Attie) covers in 95 minutes. The film examines how abortion has been depicted in TV shows and films over the 50+ years since Roe vs. Wade (let’s not mention 2022).

The starting point is the groundbreaking 1972 2-part episode of Norman Lear’s sitcom Maude, in which the 47 year-old lead character deals with a surprise pregnancy (“Maude’s Dilemma”). Other touchstones include Dirty Dancing and Juno (my 2007 review).

As you watch a plethora of clips, you realize that, more often than not, it’s been a case of the tail wagging the dog; and at times the misinformation approaches Reefer Madness-level hysteria. There are no easy solutions to resolving the polarization on this issue; and the filmmakers wisely don’t try to provide any. However, they do offer food for thought, which will hopefully encourage some productive dialog.