Thesis
Representations of Abortion in 21st-Century Film, Literature, and Television Across Germany and America
University of Iowa
Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
Spring 2022
Abstract
Ever since induced abortion was criminalized in the 19th century, media representing abortion in various ways have been created in the United States and in Germany. Decriminalization (Roe v. Wade, 1973) did not end the controversy, and the 21st century has seen new issues. Media not only explore the procedure itself, but the various implications and circumstances surrounding choosing to have an abortion as well. German films such as 24 Wochen directed by Anne Zohra Berrached explore the pressures surrounding choosing to keep or abort a child in the instance the fetus is diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Texts such as The Mothers by author Brit Bennett explore what it means to have an abortion in the black community in America. Or films such as Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Always, directed by Eliza Hittman, give a realistic portrayal of teen pregnancy, as well as a glimpse into what occurs when one chooses to have an abortion in America. Throughout the examination of such texts, it appears that most media across Germany and the United States are experiencing a similar trend in recent years. This trend involves representations of abortion in ways that allow for exploration and a more open-minded viewpoint of the procedure. While these texts are not free from classic stigmas entirely, they also flip stereotypes of abortion on the head, utilizing their platform to allow the audience an exploratory and inquisitive view, thus granting space for acceptance of such a procedure.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- Representations of Abortion in 21st-Century Film, Literature, and Television Across Germany and America
- Creators
- Emma Margaret Jewell
- Contributors
- Elke Heckner (Advisor) - University of IowaWaltraud Maierhofer (Mentor) - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Project Type
- Honors Thesis
- Degree Awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- German
- Date degree season
- Spring 2022
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- 50 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright © 2022 Emma Jewell
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- Honors Program; CLAS Honors Theses
- Record Identifier
- 9984274859202771
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