BBC Factual announces Young, British and Anti-Abortion (w/t)

The documentary sees film-maker Poppy Jay meeting the new and surprisingly young faces at the frontline of the UK anti-abortion movement.

Published: 10:15 am, 25 October 2024
Image of Poppy Jay holding a camera with an anti-abortion protest in the background
(Image: Firecrest Films)
Immersing myself in the UK Gen-Z anti-abortion movement was an eye opening experience. There was very little common ground and I think the abortion debate, with the way social media is being used as a weapon to polarise views, will continue to be one of the most divisive issues of not just our time but beyond.
— Poppy Jay

BBC Factual today announces Young, British and Anti-Abortion (w/t), a 1x60’ documentary for BBC One and iPlayer.

The abortion rate in Britain is at the highest on record*. While opposition to abortion remains a minority view – a recent British poll found nearly 90% of respondents saying they were pro-abortion – film-maker Poppy Jay wants to explore whether there is a new demographic galvanising the UK anti-abortion movement: Gen Z.

Abortion rights are being widely debated in the US, but is a new generation campaigning to row back abortion rights in the UK too?

In this documentary, Poppy meets the young British people leading anti-abortion campaigns, asking difficult questions and fighting to end access to abortion. Online, on campuses and on the streets, she finds a movement growing in confidence, profile and money.

Poppy is a broadcaster and BAFTA nominated director covering feminism, political uprising and challenging cultural perceptions. She is also one half of the multi award-winning podcasting duo for Brown Girls Do It Too.

Poppy Jay says: "Immersing myself in the UK Gen-Z anti-abortion movement was an eye opening experience. There was very little common ground and I think the abortion debate, with the way social media is being used as a weapon to polarise views, will continue to be one of the most divisive issues of not just our time but beyond."

Daisy Scalchi, Head of Religion and Ethics, says: “This is rare and fascinating insight into a subject which fires up strong responses on each side. With her candour, charm and persistence, Poppy brings fresh eyes to the conversation about abortion, focussing on how young people especially are taking to the front line of the debate."

Young, British and Anti-Abortion, a 1x60’ documentary for BBC One and iPlayer, is made by Firecrest Films. It was commissioned by Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual and the Commissioning Editor is Daisy Scalchi, Head of Commissioning, Religion and Ethics. The Executive Producers are Nicole Kleeman and Vari Innes, and the director is Poppy Jay.

CH

Sources

*Gov.uk - Abortion statistics, England and Wales: 2022

*Public Health Scotland – Termination of pregnancy statistics

*Department of Health - Northern Ireland Abortion Statistics Publication 2020/21 – 2022/23

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