Caren Spruch: Last News

Planned Parenthood hit out against the Ana de Armas film "Blonde," claiming it contributes to "anti-abortion propaganda" for the way it portrays a talking fetus. In a Hollywood Reporter interview, Planned Parenthood official Caren Spruch said the creators of "Blonde" "contribute to anti-abortion propaganda and stigmatize people’s health care decisions instead."  In "Blonde," Marilyn Monroe is shown having two abortions against her will, and they are dramatized by a CGI-rendered fetus.

BreAnna Bell After making its Netflix debut on Sept. 28, Andrew Dominick’s “Blonde” has received an intense wave of criticism among viewers for several reasons, largely centering on its depiction and fictionalization of Marilyn Monroe’s life, which has been described as “exploitative.” Now Planned Parenthood has released a statement against the film, alleging it contributes to “anti-abortion propaganda.” In the film, based on Joyce Carol Oates’ novel of the same title, Monroe (played by Ana de Armas) is seen being forced to go through two illegal abortions, both of which leave a lasting scar on the Hollywood star. One scene in particular shows Monroe talking to a photoreal CGI version of her unborn fetus, which sympathetically questions her about its own fate asking, “You won’t hurt me this time, will you?” 

The USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, known for its oft-critical reports on Hollywood’s hiring practices and portrayals of underrepresented groups, is launching a “new focus” that will measure the film and TV industry’s depictions of a wide range of political issues, including abortion, gun violence, voting, marriage equality and interracial relationships.