After premiering at the Venice Film Festival and debuting on Netflix on September 28, Andrew Dominik's Marilyn Monroe biopic, Blonde , has been met with harsh criticism, calling it "exploitative," "anti-feminist," and "misogynistic." .
Planned Parenthood - a non-profit organization that provides a range of reproductive care and sex education services - has released a statement against the film, claiming it contributes to "anti-abortion propaganda".
In the film, Monroe (portrayed by actress Ana de Armas) undergoes two forced abortions. A scene leading up to the second miscarriage shows Monroe talking to the unborn fetus, who asks, "You're not going to hurt me this time, are you?"
"Since film and television shape many people's understanding of sexual and reproductive health, it is important that these depictions accurately portray women's real-life decisions and experiences. Abortion is safe and essential health care, and anti-abortionists have long contributed to the stigma of abortion by using inaccurate medical descriptions of the fetus and pregnancy. Andre Dominik's new film 'Blonde' reinforces their message with a talking fetus, depicted as a fully formed baby."
Planned Parenthood added that it respects "artistic freedom. However, false images only serve to reinforce misinformation and perpetuate stigma around sexual and reproductive health care. Any pregnancy outcome – especially abortion – should be portrayed sensitively, authentically and accurately in the media.”
According to the organization, "it is a shame that the creators of 'Blonde' chose to contribute to anti-abortion propaganda and stigmatize people's health care decisions."
Director Andrew Dominik stated before the film aired that there would be something "to offend everyone" and in a recent interview with The Wrap, rejected claims that it is anti- or pro-abortion propaganda.
