A Private Matter

In 1962, abortion was illegal in Arizona with narrow exceptions, and physicians' practices varied by locale. The film places Sherri in a climate where medical advice, legality, and personal desire intersect with public attention. The era's media culture often framed private decisions as public spectacles.

Phoenix, Arizona serves as the film's primary setting, with scenes at the Good Samaritan Hospital and the Finkbine family home. The early 1960s atmosphere shapes the public discourse around abortion, medical risk, and media ethics. Sweden appears later as the destination for Sherri's pregnancy termination, marking a dramatic turn in the couple's life.

👀 Privacy vs Publicity

Privacy vs Publicity is a central tension as Sherri's private medical decision becomes national news after her story leaks to the media. The film examines how a family’s intimate choices are scrutinized by reporters, doctors, and the public. The couple fights to control the narrative while enduring threats and harassment.

⚖️ Reproductive Rights

The story foregrounds the legal barriers to abortion in the 1960s and the exceptions that patients sought through medical channels. It highlights how medical risk, pregnancy, and personal autonomy collide with state laws and social norms. The Sweden trip underscores the extremes families faced to obtain care.

📰 Media Ethics

Media ethics are questioned as reporters press for details about Sherri's decision, sometimes framing the fetus as a baby to sensationalize the story. The film shows how sensational coverage can amplify fear and hostility toward a vulnerable family. Journalists and editors are depicted wrestling with professional duties versus compassion.