As the film unfolds, it draws inspiration from Unplanned, the memoir of Abby Johnson, taking the audience on an emotional journey through her life. The narrative begins with warm scenes of domesticity featuring Abby, portrayed by Ashley Bratcher, alongside her supportive husband Brooks Ryan and their young daughter, Grace. Through poignant voice-over narration, Abby shares the experiences that eventually led her to work at Planned Parenthood, elaborating on her family life and the decisive moment when she was persuaded to join the organization.
Jumping to 2009, Abby is on the verge of a life-changing experience, facing an ultrasound-guided suction aspiration abortion at thirteen weeks gestation. The tension mounts as she observes the procedure, her emotional turmoil evident as tears stream down her face. This heart-wrenching moment serves as the catalyst for her story, which then blends into memories of her junior year at Texas A&M.
The narrative employs a flashback technique to revisit two significant events in Abby's life: her first and second abortions. The first occurs during her college years, while the second, occurring after her marriage and subsequent divorce, leaves Abby grappling with both physical and emotional pain. After spending $400 for mifepristone at the clinic, she is casually informed about "a little bleeding," but the reality of her experience turns out to be a nightmarish twelve-hour ordeal filled with intense cramps and blood clots that lasted for eight weeks, instilling a fear for her life.
As time progresses, we find Abby still entrenched in her job at the clinic, demonstrating a fierce commitment to her work despite widespread criticism. The story then shifts to her second marriage with Doug, who professes his love for her while holding the same moral and religious opposition to her work at Planned Parenthood as her family does. Together, they navigate a new life, where Abby attends church with Doug and finds herself in a community that passionately denounces abortion, all the while continuing her contentious role at the very institution they condemn.
With Abby's life steadily evolving, she becomes more intertwined with Doug, and ultimately gives birth to their daughter, Grace. This newfound stability contrasts sharply with the grim reality surrounding her work, as the film starkly depicts a botched abortion at the clinic. As Abby rises to the position of director with Cheryl’s departure to Houston, she faces the daunting responsibility of scheduling numerous abortions in the wake of an impending Hurricane Ike, which threatens to complicate procedures afterward.
Her moment of recognition as Employee of the Year quickly fades, particularly after Cheryl candidly states, >“Non-profit is a tax status, not a business model!” This unsettling revelation exposes the organization's underlying motives, echoing Abby's increasing discomfort with the ethics of her work. After facing reprimands for voicing her concerns, the film cleverly backtracks to the critical moments leading up to her participation in an abortion procedure.
Feeling profoundly shaken, Abby seeks refuge with the 40 Days for Life campaign, where she finds compassion and guidance from figures like Jared Lotz and Marilisa. In a deeply moving scene, Abby tearfully admits that she can no longer work for Planned Parenthood, prompting support from Marilisa and Shawn as they help her seek new employment opportunities. With a heavy heart, she formally resigns from Planned Parenthood, realigning herself with the values of the 40 Days for Life campaign, now passionately encouraging women to reconsider their decisions from the opposite side of the clinic fence.
The narrative progresses to a significant legal battle, where Planned Parenthood accuses Abby of leaking confidential information. Thankfully, Shawn's lawyer friend, Jeff, steps in, leading to her exoneration in court.
Years later, in 2013, the clinic where Abby once worked closes its doors for good. Reflecting on her turbulent past, she organizes a bittersweet celebration at the now-abandoned location, expressing her sorrow for the lives she impacted through both performing and undergoing abortions. The film concludes with a poignant note, revealing that Abby has joined "And Then There Were None," a ministry dedicated to helping abortion clinic workers find paths toward hope and redemption from their tumultuous pasts.
