Our Bodies Our Doctors

Our Bodies Our Doctors is a revealing and thought-provoking documentary that premiered in 2019. Directed by Jan Haaken, the film presents an intimate, nuanced, and deeply human examination of the lives and experiences of abortion providers. Among the central figures featured in the film are Andrea Chiavarini, Judith Arcana, Willie Parker, Sarah Prager, and Deb Oyer. There are also several other practitioners, advocates, and patients who contribute to the narrative.

The aim of this documentary is to shed light on the seldom-discussed perspective of those on the frontlines of women's healthcare. It delves into the personal and professional lives of several doctors, all of whom perform or assist with abortions. Not only does it explore the struggles they face, but it also encapsulates their courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to women's rights and reproductive health.

Each of the featured medical professionals contributes a unique perspective in the film, shedding light on the intricacies of this field. Andrea Chiavarini brings her experience as a Family Nurse Practitioner to the conversation, highlighting the role of nursing staff in abortion care. Judith Arcana, a writer and activist with a profound interest in the reproductive rights movement, brings a historical viewpoint to this complex issue.

Dr. Willie Parker, a notable obstetrician-gynecologist known for his work in advancing women's health rights, especially in the Southern United States, offers a powerful perspective. He speaks candidly about the impact of his Christian faith on his approach to providing abortions. Sarah Prager, a medical historian and author, supplements the narrative with insightful commentary on the historical context within which the practice of abortion exists. Deb Oyer, a nurse practitioner and abortion care provider in Seattle, brings her unique viewpoint from the frontline of reproductive healthcare.

Jan Haaken uses the firsthand narratives of these individuals to challenge the prevailing narratives and stereotypes surrounding abortion providers. The film offers a portrait of these practitioners as compassionate, dedicated professionals who confront political obstacles, threats of violence, and ethical dilemmas in their commitment to delivering comprehensive reproductive healthcare.

In Our Bodies Our Doctors, Haaken explores numerous locations pertinent to the narrative, such as clinics, conferences, and meetings with lawmakers, thereby encapsulating the geographical and political diversity of this issue. This geographical scope provides a comprehensive, multi-dimensional view of the challenges these doctors face depending on their location.

Furthermore, the documentary spotlights the challenges that come with the stigma attached to abortion. It presents a raw, unvarnished look at how these doctors and practitioners have managed to carry out their work despite threats to their physical safety or the intensely polarized social and political environment around this issue.

In parallel to these narratives, the film also highlights the personalized viewpoint of women who have sought these services and how these physicians have profoundly impacted them. This juxtaposition provides a compelling display of empathy and medical care that goes beyond healthcare provision. It brings in a more profound human element to the realm of women's reproductive health.

Having received the 2019 Oregon Documentary Award by the Oregon Film Awards, Our Bodies Our Doctors has been acclaimed as a courageous, eye-opening documentary that spurs critical thinking about women's reproductive rights and healthcare in the current socio-political environment. The film’s power lies in its brave storytelling, and it serves to amplify the voices of those who are often left out of the heated public debate about abortion.

In conclusion, Our Bodies Our Doctors works as more than a documentary; it is an empowering narrative that reinspects the discourse on women's health and abortion. It is an ode to these stalwart doctors and practitioners' resilience and unwavering dedication, providing a pivotal service, often against significant pushback. It ultimately calls for understanding, empathy, and further dialog on reproductive health and rights.