The documentaries in this series, FROM the BACK-ALLEYS to the SUPREME COURT and BEYOND, follow the history of abortion and other reproductive rights in the United States through the present, documenting issues relevant to Latino populations living here, and in Latin America. Honors for these productions include an OSCAR nomination and an EMMY. With the support of foundation grants, we are able to loan the videos at no fee, or sell them at low cost, and provide study guides in English or Spanish.

The Spanish versions of these documentaries (translated by Mexico's Grupo de Información en Reproducción Elegida) premiered at the Cineteca Nacional in Mexico City, and are now being used in sixteen Central and South American countries. The United States premiere opened with a presentation by Dolores Huerta (co-founder UNITED FARM WORKERS AFL-CIO). Six hundred people attended that event (see "How to Involve the Community"). At another premiere (Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco) the program was introduced by Isabel Allende. The producer was invited by grassroots and health care groups throughout Latin America to tour with the videos. Countries she visited include Chile, where abortion is a felony with the penalty of imprisonment for both the doctor and the woman who had the procedure.

Interviews in all three programs highlight the importance of individuals being free to decide when and how to build their families. Special attention is given to the obstacles that restrict obtaining and providing safe reproductive health services. These tapes stimulate reflection on topics ranging from how religious perspectives impact sexual decision making to a close look at how lower income populations are affected by legislation and funding cuts that limit access to women's health care, especially abortions. These personal stories provide valuable insights for anyone interested in the economic, social, and familial challenges facing Latinas of childbearing age. The tapes can be shown in a variety of settings -- in classrooms, in living rooms, or for special screenings and other events involving the community, on Cable Access TV stations, or in movie theaters.

If you are interested in learning more about the documentaries or would like to borrow them, please contact us by e-mail at info@concentric.org.