People are typically silent when it comes to the 1 in 4 women who have been sexually assaulted. We see a society that does not address the frequency in which women are harassed, or how often women have to go out of their way in attempts to avoid sexually aggressive behavior. Sharing our support for survivors—no matter what our political belief or religious background—can make or break a community’s ability to better process opinions on abortion, and address what they perceive as right or wrong behavior instead of forcing moral opinions that can trigger trauma for someone who has experienced sexual assault or a rape related pregnancy. These are tough subjects, but my intention is to share a story of survival that can uplift everyone and shift the conversation towards justice for all women. 

A married woman, Natalie, becomes pregnant after she is violently raped by a masked man.  Uncertain of the paternity, Natalie's husband, Pat, urges her to have an abortion.  Afterwards the couple is left to deal with the emotional aftermath as they try to rebuild their lives. 

David Patrick Wittle (far left), Arlyne Spalla, David Freer, Michael Embry, Jasmine Deanne Andrews, and Mel Thomas (far right) discuss the impact of the story of Natalie's Abortion in their lives.  

Arlyne Spalla, David Freer, David Patrick Wittle, and Mel Thomas sit in the audience before the first screening of Natalie's Abortion.