On Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Okanagan College, Vernon Campus, the documentary HUSH will be screened. This film puts aside individual ideologies and takes a scientific look at the highly disputed and politicized information around abortions’ long-term effects on women’s health.
Directed by Punam Kumar Gill, the film looks at the connections between abortion and breast cancer, premature birth and psychological problems. It is not a discussion of right or wrong, good or bad. It is health information that all women should be aware of.
The film has screened at eight festivals thus far and received the “Best Documentary Award” in Los Angeles, a Silver Award at the “WorldFest” in Houston and a Golden Award from the “World Documentary Awards” in Jakarta, Indonesia. The film also had positive responses from its pre-screening tour of Canadian universities including the University of Brandon, York University, University of Ottawa, Queens University and more. The film has also received some backlash.
“Questioning anything regarding abortion is often perceived as treason to feminism,” says Edmonton-based producer Joses Martin, “but that’s the problem HUSH explores: When conversation about women’s health research is shut down because the subject is too political it negatively affects science and health information at every level.”
This film is pro-women from start to finish and contains an array of important women’s health information, not just about abortion. So we are hopeful that audiences can watch the film with open minds and start conversations about women’s reproductive health.
HUSH will be shown Tuesday, Nov. 21 at 6:30 p.m. at Okanagan College, Vernon campus lecture theatre. Admission is free. This event is not affiliated with Okanagan College.
Terri Jones is executive director at the Vernon Live Well Clinic for Sexual Health and Pregnancy Association.