The Silent Scream: Difference between revisions
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== Plot == |
== Plot == |
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Nathanson serves as both the medical expert and narrator of the film, describing the events of the abortion as they unfold. He begins by stating the viewer is about to witness the "dazzling" new "science of fetology" and to witness an abortion in [[real time]] "from the victim's vantage point."<ref name="Pickering"/> The film compiled a series of still ultrasound images of the abortion of a twelve-week-old fetus spliced together to create the video. |
Nathanson, an [[obstetician]], serves as both the medical expert and narrator of the film, describing the events of the abortion as they unfold. He begins by stating the viewer is about to witness the "dazzling" new "science of fetology" and to witness an abortion in [[real time]] "from the victim's vantage point."<ref name="Pickering"/> The film compiled a series of still ultrasound images of the abortion of a twelve-week-old fetus spliced together to create the video. |
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The [[cannula|suction cannula]] is described as a lethal weapon that will "dismember, crush, and destroy" the "child". Nathanson goes on to narrate that the fetus is unprepared for the invasion of the womb and attempts to escape the cannula. The film culminates in the now-famous "silent scream" which is accompanied with shrill musical accompaniment.<ref name="Pickering"/> |
The [[cannula|suction cannula]] is described as a lethal weapon that will "dismember, crush, and destroy" the "child". Nathanson goes on to narrate that the fetus is unprepared for the invasion of the womb and attempts to escape the cannula. The film culminates in the now-famous "silent scream" which is accompanied with shrill musical accompaniment.<ref name="Pickering"/> |
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| accessdate = 2008-01-01}}</ref> Some attempted to use it as proof that their position was science-based.<ref name="Petchesky"/> |
| accessdate = 2008-01-01}}</ref> Some attempted to use it as proof that their position was science-based.<ref name="Petchesky"/> |
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Many members of the medical community were critical of the film, describing it as as misleading and deceptive. |
Many members of the medical community were critical of the film, describing it as as misleading and deceptive. A medical school faculty member described the film as "factually misleading and unfair", and another argued that the film's use of special effects was deceptive, a form of "technical flimflam." David Bodian, a neurobiologist at [[Johns Hopkins School of Medicine]], questioned the titular "scream", noting that "the fetus spends lots of time with its mouth open" and that "mouth" identified on ultrasound in the film may in fact have been the space between the fetal chin and chest. He conceded however that reflex movement by a fetus can be caused by surgical instruments.<ref name="time-1985"/> |
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In 1985, [[Planned Parenthood]] convened what it described as "a panel of internationally known and respected physicians" to review and critique the film, and issue a rebuttal of the claims made, including [[fetal pain]], purposeful movement, and the titular "scream".<ref name="pp">{{Cite press release |title=The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream" |publisher=Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. |date=1985 (current as of March 2002) |url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/PPFA/Facts_Speak_Louder_than_the_Silent_Scream_03-02.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="Washington" /> They produced a brochure entitled ''The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream"'', described the video as "riddled with scientific, medical, and legal inaccuracies as well as misleading statements and exaggerations", "wildly popular with anti-abortion zealots" and "a key tool in their propaganda efforts".<ref name="pp"/> |
In 1985, [[Planned Parenthood]] convened what it described as "a panel of internationally known and respected physicians" to review and critique the film, and issue a rebuttal of the claims made, including [[fetal pain]], purposeful movement, and the titular "scream".<ref name="pp">{{Cite press release |title=The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream" |publisher=Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. |date=1985 (current as of March 2002) |url=http://www.plannedparenthood.org/files/PPFA/Facts_Speak_Louder_than_the_Silent_Scream_03-02.pdf |format=PDF}}</ref><ref name="Washington" /> They produced a brochure entitled ''The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream"'', described the video as "riddled with scientific, medical, and legal inaccuracies as well as misleading statements and exaggerations", "wildly popular with anti-abortion zealots" and "a key tool in their propaganda efforts".<ref name="pp"/> |
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Revision as of 01:24, 18 March 2011
The Silent Scream is a 1984 video about abortion directed and narrated by Bernard Nathanson, an abortion provider turned pro-life activist, and produced in partnership with the National Right to Life Committee.[1] The film depicts the abortion process via ultrasound and shows an abortion taking place in the uterus. During the abortion process, the fetus is described as appearing to make outcries of pain and discomfort. The video has been a popular tool used by the pro-life campaign in arguing against abortion,[2] although it has been criticized as misleading and deceptive by members of the medical community.[3]
Plot
Nathanson, an obstetician, serves as both the medical expert and narrator of the film, describing the events of the abortion as they unfold. He begins by stating the viewer is about to witness the "dazzling" new "science of fetology" and to witness an abortion in real time "from the victim's vantage point."[4] The film compiled a series of still ultrasound images of the abortion of a twelve-week-old fetus spliced together to create the video.
The suction cannula is described as a lethal weapon that will "dismember, crush, and destroy" the "child". Nathanson goes on to narrate that the fetus is unprepared for the invasion of the womb and attempts to escape the cannula. The film culminates in the now-famous "silent scream" which is accompanied with shrill musical accompaniment.[4]
Nathanson concludes the film by discussing the implications behind hiding this material from women. He believes the film is necessary in keeping women informed on matters concerning abortion. This was the first time the images of an aborted fetus were given an electronic platform, as opposed to the printed form of the imagery used in prior years.[1]
Reception
The Silent Scream was premiered on the television program Jerry Falwell Live[1] and aired five times over the span of a month over major television networks.[4] The film was later distributed widely to high schools and colleges and, according to TIME, "embraced as an effective propaganda weapon by right-to-life organizations." The film was popular among people who opposed abortion, even being shown at the White House by then-President Ronald Reagan.[5] Some attempted to use it as proof that their position was science-based.[1]
Many members of the medical community were critical of the film, describing it as as misleading and deceptive. A medical school faculty member described the film as "factually misleading and unfair", and another argued that the film's use of special effects was deceptive, a form of "technical flimflam." David Bodian, a neurobiologist at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, questioned the titular "scream", noting that "the fetus spends lots of time with its mouth open" and that "mouth" identified on ultrasound in the film may in fact have been the space between the fetal chin and chest. He conceded however that reflex movement by a fetus can be caused by surgical instruments.[3]
In 1985, Planned Parenthood convened what it described as "a panel of internationally known and respected physicians" to review and critique the film, and issue a rebuttal of the claims made, including fetal pain, purposeful movement, and the titular "scream".[6][5] They produced a brochure entitled The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream", described the video as "riddled with scientific, medical, and legal inaccuracies as well as misleading statements and exaggerations", "wildly popular with anti-abortion zealots" and "a key tool in their propaganda efforts".[6]
Author and journalist Katie Roiphe described the video as "extremely suspect propaganda" and "essentially a horror movie that used frank distortions."[2] Political scientist and pro-choice activist Rosalind P. Petchesky described "its visual distortions and verbal fraud" and said it "belongs in the realm of cultural representation rather than... medical evidence."[1]
References
- ^ a b c d e Petchesky, Rosalind Pollack (Summer 1987). "Fetal Images: The Power of Visual Culture in the Politics of Reproduction". Feminist Studies. 13 (2): 263–292.
- ^ a b Roiphe, Katie (2008-01-01). "Choice words". Guardian Unlimited. Guardian News and Media. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- ^ a b Wallis, Claudia (March 25, 1985). "Medicine: Silent Scream". TIME. Retrieved March 17, 2011.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|coauthors=ignored (|author=suggested) (help) - ^ a b c Pickering, B., & Lake, R. 1999. "Visual Images as (opposed to?) Reason: The Argument of Eclipse of Reason." Conference Proceedings – National Communication Association/American Forensic Association (Alta Conference on Argumentation), 253-261. Retrieved from Communication & Mass Media Complete database.
- ^ a b DeParle, Jason (April 1989). "Beyond the legal right; why liberals and feminists don't like to talk about the morality of abortion". The Washington Monthly. Retrieved 2008-01-01.
- ^ a b "The Facts Speak Louder than "The Silent Scream"" (PDF) (Press release). Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc. 1985 (current as of March 2002).
{{cite press release}}: Check date values in:|date=(help)
External links
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