#SXSW: “PLAN C” REVIEW

By Amanda Gilmore

In 2014, Francine, a Social Scientist, and her partners launched Plan C. The purpose of the network was to spread information about how and where to buy abortion pills online. The organization now includes many people from advocates, midwives, and doctors. Director Tracey Droz Tragos first begins documenting the group in 2019 and follows them all the way through to the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

This Documentary would feel urgent at any point throughout history. Yet, with the current political climate, we find ourselves in it feels all the more critical. Tragos educates us on the abortion pill, allowing us to form our own opinions before we get into the harrowing stories of those who gained access to the pill and of those working with Plan C.

Throughout history, there has been a stigma attached to abortion. With this Documentary, Tragos helps in ending that stigma. She achieves this by showing us the challenges women need to face in order to get their hands on the pill. A pill that is completely safe and FDA-approved. It even allows the woman to be in the comfort of their home, surrounded by who they want when having the abortion. Rather than going to a clinic that has Pro-Life protesters screaming at them as they enter.

Additionally, Tragos puts the focus on those working at Plan C. She lays out the laws surrounding abortion, the unrelenting bravery of the heroes working at Plan C, and the stories of those who’ve helped gain access to safe abortion. Therefore, giving a well-rounded view of abortion in America.

Plan C screens at SXSW ’23 as follows:

Mar 12 at 11:00am at ZACH Theatre

Mar 14 at 5:45pm at Alamo Lamar A

Mar 18 at 3:00pm at Alamo Lamar A