“Do women have really basic human rights to decide what is happening with their own bodies?” Many people would say no. The heroines in this movie say yes, and their travels require daily tenacity, bravery, and in some cases, not caring about their own safety.

Vessel follows Dr. Rebecca Gomperts and her floating hospital–a boat–she and her Women On Waves team sail to different parts of the world, and stay in the safe neutral international waters, just outside the borders of the countries they are visiting. Women who want or need an abortion come to her for help. Constant resistance, sometimes physical danger–many times angry men and women in her face are the norm. Still, she persists. This is what she is, what she does. Women die every day because they attempt to abort in countries where abortion is illegal. “I could not observe that, and just let it happen.” Tirelessly working to give women power over their own bodies, a power some may have never known. This movie shines the light on one effort to be a help in the world.

Meaningful Movies is proud to have shown this previously in 2015, and think it’s time to screen it again, given the current political climate in the US. If you have an interest in the rights of women, or want to learn more about this issue, please join us for the screening and discussion. Tell anyone you know who might be interested! We look forward to seeing you.

The event will be online and conducted using Zoom. The film will be shown at the start of the Zoom meeting followed by a community discussion.

Please register to receive a link to the meeting and the film showing. Those who register will also receive a link to view the film on their own schedule between October 18th and the event on the 20th.

Please tell anyone you know who might be interested! We look forward to seeing you.

Filmmaker website: https://vesselthefilm.com/