Many Christian groups are criticizing the MPAA for giving an R-rating to the upcoming anti-abortion movie, Unplanned. Based on on the book of the same name, Unplanned follows the story of the book’s author Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood director who became a Pro-Life activist.
According to Screen Rant the film contains a scene depicting an abortion, which the MPAA considers inappropriate for younger viewers. Supporters of the movie claim that Unplanned does not deserve the rating, because the movie does not contain any swearing, or substance abuse, excessive violence or gore. Some are decrying the MPAA for being biased though Screen Rant also pointed out that the MPAA awarded a R-rating to If These Walls Could Talk, which was a pro-choice movie, for having an abortion scene.
In protest of the rating an open letter to the MPAA has been posted on the official Unplanned website. Signatures of pro-life advocates including actor Kevin Sorbo (Hercules: The Legendary Journeys), singer Pat Boone, and Governor Mike Huckabee are included on the letter.
The MPAA has released a response to the open letter which can be read here.
Unplanned is produced by Christian film production company Pure Flix, which is best known for producing the God’s Not Dead series as well as many other Christian movies, and is directed by Chuck Konzelman and Cary Solomon. Despite recieving a R-rating Pure Flix has decided to distribute the movie anyway.
The topic of abortion is probably one of the most controversial issues in the modern world. Even after the Supreme Court made its decision on Roe vs. Wade in 1973, in the U.S. the issue of abortion is still being debated.