INA Launches Documentary Series to Mark 50 Years of France's Veil Law Legalizing Abortion
January 14, 2025
Producer Isabelle Foucrier stated that the project aims to preserve the oral history of women's experiences with abortion, countering narratives often dominated by political and activist perspectives.
The documentary, titled 'Il suffit d'écouter les femmes', aired on January 14, 2025, on France 5, and features historical footage along with interviews of women recounting their traumatic experiences.
It emphasizes the physical and psychological violence faced by women during the clandestine abortion period and underscores the importance of sharing their stories for future generations.
As part of this project, the INA has released 79 new testimonies focusing on clandestine abortions, featuring accounts from women who underwent the procedure as well as their supporters and medical professionals.
The project also highlights the ongoing relevance of abortion rights, noting that the passage of the Veil Law was a significant historical moment that resonates today as other countries face similar issues.
Notable figures involved in advocating for abortion rights include Simone Veil, who defended these rights in the French National Assembly in 1974, and Christiane Taubira, who shares her own experience of a clandestine abortion.
Contributions to the project include a book authored by Léa Veinstein, set to be published on January 22, 2025, and a podcast created by Julie Auzou.
Before the enactment of the Veil Law, approximately 800,000 women each year sought illegal abortions, often suffering in silence due to the stigma and legal repercussions.
Overall, this documentary is part of a broader effort to educate the public about the history of abortion in France and the personal stories that shaped the movement.
In commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Veil Law, which legalized abortion in France on January 17, 1975, a special initiative has been launched by the Institut national de l’audiovisuel (INA).
This initiative includes a documentary, podcasts, and a book that share personal testimonies of women's experiences with illegal abortions between 1955 and 1975, highlighting the challenges they faced before the law was enacted.
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