RATIONALE

As discussed previously, 67% of women would not tell their family about abortion, and only 34% would tell their friends (Young, 2019; Moss, 2019). Abortions are an extremely isolating experience, with studies proving the negative impact they have upon women and their mental health (Reardon, 2018). The fact women are afraid to speak out to people they know about abortions is not only dangerous for their own wellbeing, but also continues the stigma that abortion is something that should not be discussed. Opening up and talking to people about issues we face is proven to dramatically improve emotional wellbeing, with 73% of people who said they have spoken to someone else about their problems reporting the positive impact it had upon them (The Co-operative Group, 2022). Studies have also revealed that less social interactions can increase loneliness, isolation and alienation (Brody, 2017). Women’s experiences with abortion also include fear of judgement, self-judgment and a need for secrecy (Cockrill & Nack, 2013; Hanschmidt et al., 2016), highlighting the need for awareness of abortion stigma.

‘Safe Space’ will be a part of Miu Miu’s ongoing series, ‘Women’s Tales’. ‘Women’s Tales’ is a series of short films produced twice a year since 2011 by female directors for Miu Miu, which explore problems which are affecting women such as feminism, toxic relationships, and self-value. The series is described as a ‘brief to look both critically and lovingly at femininity in the 21st century, these short films embrace the many complexities and contradictions that make up women’s experiences today’ (Mubi, no date.), highlighting that the topic of reproductive rights fits in with the morals of the ‘Women’s Tales’ series.