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Protesters Gather Outside Whitehorse Theater As Anti-Abortion Film Plays

Friday, 23 August 2019 15:28

Courtesy of Cinema Treasures

Over 70 protesters gathered outside the Yukon cinema on Wood Street yesterday in protest of the anti-abortion film 'Unplanned.'

Over 70 protesters gathered outside the Yukon cinema on Wood Street yesterday in protest of the anti-abortion film 'Unplanned.'

The film has been the subject of controversy, as it portrays a woman who works in planned parenthood, then becomes an anti-abortion activist after witnessing an abortion first-hand.

The film was acclaimed by anti-abortionists who believe women should have to carry a pregnancy to term.

The film has been publicly disputed and criticized by the medical community, who claim the film is fear-inducing propaganda lacking in scientific and medical backing. 

The film was produced by a religious company, Pure-Flix, in the United States last March, and first debuted in Canada a month ago.

Since its release, it has been protested across Canada by those who support a woman's choice to choose whether to have an abortion or not.

Pro-choice activists also support making abortions accessible to all, as statistically women below the poverty line have more challenges gaining access to birth control and abortions.

Originally the film was rejected by film distribution companies Landmark and Cineplex, effectively banning it in Canada, although in July Cineplex reversed its decision.

Since July, the film has played in over 60 theaters in Canada.

Those who protested on Thursday carried signs with slogans such as "my body, my choice" and had a barbeque.

There will be another protest beginning at 9:30am at Saturday morning's showing of the film.

The protest is advertised on Facebook as "Our Pancakes, Ourselves" and, according to the event post, will feature music, sign making, and pancakes.

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