WATCH: Ashley Bratcher gives advice to women contemplating abortion
MANILA, Philippines — The controversial documentary movie “Unplanned,” which had a box office success in the US despite a restricted screening and has revived anti-abortion politics, is showing in the Philippines.
Based on a best-selling book, “Unplanned” narrates the story of Abby Johnson, former youngest director of Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the US, who turned pro-life advocate. Johnson was Planned Parenthood’s 2008 Employee of the Year who facilitated 22,000 abortions for eight years and had two abortions herself.
During an emergency ultrasound-assisted abortion procedure, she witnessed for the first time via sonogram what happens to an unborn baby in an induced abortion. Since resigning from Planned Parenthood, Johnson has exposed abortion clinics and has helped over 500 abortion providers to leave the industry.
“Unplanned” had a surprising box office debut in the US and grossed $19 million in theaters over 19 weeks, according to Box Office Mojo.
Actress Ashley Bratcher plays the role of Johnson, who told Philstar.com that she was the result of an unwanted pregnancy herself.
“I was intended to be aborted. My mother told me that I was minutes away from being aborted. She was already on the abortion table when she decided to get out and walk out,” she narrated.
For those also undergoing through an unplanned pregnancy, Ashley pleaded them to not terminate it because they are “not alone” and “there is more help than you realize.”
“Know that there are a lot of organizations are there to provide all your needs, from diapers to finances,” she assured.
“Unplanned” is running in theaters around the world and is exclusively showing in select SM cinemas in the Philippines. Bratcher posted on her page that Felcidad Tan-Sy, widow of SM mall tycoon Henry Sy, personally sat in during the premier screening and said while weeping: “Every Filipino, every person needs to see this movie." — Video by Deni Bernardo
