As a woman who has had to navigate the often murky waters of reproductive healthcare in America, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of empathy and admiration for the women at the heart of Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault’s powerful documentary, Zurawski v Texas. This film is more than just an exposé on the state of abortion rights in America; it’s a testament to the resilience and determination of those who are fighting for their fundamental right to make decisions about their own bodies.
One year following the Supreme Court’s reversal of the decision in Roe v. Wade, a multitude of lawmakers across the United States swiftly took steps to limit access to abortions. Some focused on medication abortions, requiring counseling for those opting for the procedure. Others proposed outright bans and enacted “bounty hunter” laws, expanding the scope of involvement from patients, providers, and anyone else facilitating abortion access. As per a report from the Center for American Progress, 50 out of the 563 anti-abortion bills presented in 2023 were made law that year. The overturning of this historic 1973 case didn’t merely remove protections; it paved the way for this unfortunate situation to unfold.
As a passionate advocate for reproductive rights, I found “Zurawski v Texas,” directed by Maisie Crow and Abbie Perrault, to be an incredibly impactful and eye-opening documentary. This film, debuted at Telluride, offers a poignant glimpse into the daily struggles of Molly Duane, a seasoned attorney at the Center for Reproductive Rights, as she guides a group of plaintiffs who are taking legal action against the Texas government over their stringent anti-abortion regulations. Their primary objective is to force the attorney general’s office, represented by Ken Paxton, to clarify the boundaries of their ban and acknowledge the severe risks it poses to pregnant individuals.
Produced by Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton, and Jennifer Lawrence, the documentary titled “Zurawski v Texas” adds to a collection of films addressing the current status of abortion rights, serving as a warning call. Among the latest entries in this bustling field is Sabrine Keane and Kate Dumke’s “Preconceived“, which premiered at SXSW this year and delves into the risks associated with anti-abortion laws by conducting thorough investigations of misleading pregnancy crisis centers. A few years back, in 2018, Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg debuted “Reversing Roe” at Telluride. Their film took a more analytical stance on the topic, tracing its historical vulnerability.
In the unique landscape of Zurawski v Texas, the harsh drama of American courtrooms is vividly depicted. Crow, who also acts as the Director of Photography, narrates the accounts of four women connected to this case, starting with Amanda Zurawski, the main plaintiff. Due to Texas’ laws, she was unable to terminate her non-viable pregnancy. Tragically, it wasn’t until she developed septic shock and was close to death that doctors were able to intervene and save her life. This ordeal left a lasting impact on Zurawski, causing permanent damage to her uterus.
The case Zurawski v Texas begins with compelling footage of Zurawski recounting aspects of her narrative to a seemingly disinterested panel at the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, regarding Texas’ ruling on abortion pills. Despite her calm demeanor, her words resonate with determination as she underscores the lawmakers’ pledge to uphold those who elected them. The filmmakers, Crow and Perrault, then transition smoothly to scenes illustrating how Zurawski and Duane came to know each other and collaborate on their shared endeavor.
Once Zurawski decides to serve as the primary plaintiff for the case, Duane convenes the rest of the group. The case titled Zurawski v Texas is not only about providing personal testimonies but also about constructing a lawsuit of such magnitude and influence. By choosing a young, upper-middle-class white woman from a long line of Republican families as the lead plaintiff, it increases the case’s resonance within the state. It also attracts audiences who may assume that the matter of abortion access is irrelevant to them.
Initially, Duane’s days are filled with numerous phone and video chats with people eager to discuss their personal stories about living under strict abortion laws. A heart-wrenching narrative comes from Samantha Casiano, a young Texan woman who was compelled to continue an unviable pregnancy against her will and establish a GoFundMe page to cover the expenses of her stillborn baby’s funeral. Scenes depicting Casiano burying her child one day and bargaining for a headstone the next serve as stark reminders of the additional emotional and financial hardships faced by those residing in states opposed to abortion rights.
Her story underscores the social and racial stratification found in discussions about reproductive freedoms. Casiano and her partner Luis were financially unable to travel to another state for a termination. This was not just a matter of covering flight expenses and medical appointments; they would also have to take time off work and arrange proper childcare, which is no small task.
In the Zurawski case, Dr. Austin Dennard, one of the plaintiffs and originally a patient herself, was able to obtain the abortion she required in another state. However, as an OB-GYN practicing in Texas, she grapples with the limited care she can offer her own patients due to the restrictive and harshly penalizing laws in the state. Discussions with her provide a dual perspective – both the sober professional viewpoint of a healthcare provider and the more personal, emotional viewpoint of a patient. Facing potential loss of her medical license and imprisonment for up to 99 years if she performs an abortion that breaks the law, Dennard is under significant pressure in Texas.
In the case of Zurawski v Texas, Duane and her fellow plaintiffs are seeking clarity on the specific laws regarding abortions, as they find the language used to be vague and open to interpretation. They aim to understand how these laws apply to average citizens. The process is frequently lengthy and distressing. Some of the most impactful moments occur within the courtroom, a place where these women advocate for their healthcare rights (and in numerous instances, their lives) before lawmakers and judges.
These instances underscore once more the unyielding severity that permeates American society. Despite a select group of judges, predominantly female, empathizing with the plaintiffs and ultimately ruling on their side, legislators, commonly male, seem troubled by their accounts. The way state officials phrase their reactions to Casiano falling ill during court proceedings, or Zurawski on the brink of tears as she grapples with the permanent alteration in her life, is astonishing for its detached and impersonal tone.
As a passionate admirer, I’d say that Crow and Perrault let their characters’ tales resonate independently. Their film, with its uncomplicated visual approach, serves as an impassioned plea to the segment of Americans who oppose abortion. It is a valuable resource for individuals like Zurawski’s parents – lifelong Republicans, who, prior to their daughter’s near-death experience, likely identified as anti-choice. For those still uncertain, the insightful Zurawski v Texas redefines abortion as primarily a fundamental healthcare freedom.
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2024-09-01 01:26