After Tiller

After Tiller is a gripping and thought-provoking documentary film released in 2013 that enters the fiery and heated debate surrounding abortion rights, specifically focusing on third-trimester abortions. Rather than chipping away at the complexities surrounding this debate from a detached, theoretical perspective, filmmakers Martha Shane and Lana Wilson take viewers to the heart of the matter, bringing those who are most intimately involved with the issue – the medical practitioners themselves – to the forefront.

The film gets its title from Dr. George Tiller, a well-known abortion provider from Kansas, who was murdered in 2009 in his church by an anti-abortion activist. His death, unfortunately, highlighted the violent extremes of the abortion debate and underscored how the lives of those who provide these services often hang in the balance.

The filmmakers highlight the aftermath of his death as they follow the professional and personal lives of the remaining four physicians - Dr. Warren Hern, Dr. Susan Robinson, Dr. Shelley Sella, and Dr. Leroy Carhart - who became the last, courageous vestiges in the United States capable of performing third-trimester abortions. The film venerates their dedication and commitment toward providing this service against the backdrop of constant threats, hostility, and the weight of legal and political pushbacks.

After Tiller weaves together in-depth interviews and observational footage, painting a detailed portrait of these four providers. The film showcases their personal stories, their motivation to continue their practices in the face of immense opposition and persecution, and their determination, passion, and commitment to their patients.

What's unique about After Tiller is its humanization of both the providers and the patients who find themselves in often dire, emotionally fraught situations. It pulls back the curtain on the unimaginable decisions that women and their families have to make during what is often the worst moments of their lives. We, as the audience, are thrust into heated consultations, tearful disclosures, and moments of vulnerability that put a painfully human face to what is otherwise treated as a purely political argument or a matter of religious debate.

The film grapples with the complexity of these issues, avoiding the simplicity of picking sides. It starkly presents the reality of these four providers' lives – their families, their friendships, their fears, and their dedication – and the struggles and ethical questions that come with carrying out their work. The filmmakers maintain a careful balance throughout, presenting these deeply personal stories without judgement or bias, allowing the raw emotions and the enormity of the situation to take center stage.

After Tiller also delves into the difficult professional quandaries faced by these providers. The audience is presented with numerous challenging ethical dilemmas they grapple with. Despite the threats and protests, these doctors remain resilient, driven by their deep-seated commitment to their patients and their belief in the necessity of the service they provide. They see their work as a mission, a calling to uphold women's rights and autonomy over their bodies – a belief for which they're prepared to risk everything.

While it is a film that tackles an incredibly contentious issue, After Tiller works to bring empathy and humanity to the conversation. It is a poignant and emotional exploration of the overlooked side of the debate. The aim never seems to be to sway opinions one way or another, but rather to invite viewers to witness and engage with the stories of those with first-hand experience of the scenarios that form this highly charged subject.

Overall, After Tiller is a rare and important film that allows entry into a world that most people only ever see from the outside. It encourages viewers to look beyond the slogans and heated debates of this controversial topic by spotlighting the individuals who inhabit this world and their extraordinary commitment in providing care and support to their patients. The film is a thoroughly compelling, emotional, and informative piece of documentary filmmaking that speaks volumes on balancing personal conviction and professional responsibility amidst societal judgment and adversity.