Reversing Roe

The 2018 documentary by Ricki Stern and Annie Sundberg traces the history of abortion law in the United States. It documents how, from the 1973 Roe decision onward, abortion ceased to be a legal question and became a marker of political identity, and through which campaigns that was organised. The directors speak with advocates on both sides. Its most concrete contribution is the archive material showing that the anti-abortion movement was not initially a priority for the Republican Party and was deliberately brought forward to build a voter base. The film was made in 2018, before the Roe decision was overturned in 2022; it anticipates a direction without seeing the outcome, and is best watched knowing that. Who it's for: viewers interested in American political history and the argument over abortion. Who it's not for: anyone expecting a neutral frame, or uncomfortable with footage of medical procedures.