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Tell us what you think.
Selected submissions will be posted here, so check back regularly.
6/26/07
St. Paul, MN
Dr. Boyd's story proves that abortion is a fact of life out here in the big, bad world.
He provided abortions when they were illegal because he was approached by women who needed them. Women have always needed the option of abortion in order to maintain power over their own lives. Numerous historical documents-- diaries, manuscripts-- bear out the fact that women have known about, given and gotten abortions for centuries before Roe v. Wade got to the Supreme Court.
What infuriates me most in reading the other TalkBack responses re: Dr. Boyd is the absurd anti-choice belief that women refused legal abortion will automatically choose to have their baby.
No past law against abortion or law supporting pregnancy services has ever has ever actually prevented abortion. People who wish to overturn Roe v. Wade are naively ignoring this historical fact. So why do they pursue this goal and call themselves better for it? Perhaps it is because, like self-absorbed little children, they want to block out the tough realities of life faced by Dr. Boyd and his patients, and supplant them with their own version of the truth. It's time for them to grow up and accept that other people's lives are not theirs to run and that, sometimes, other people's choices are far more complicated then they seem capable of understanding.
3/22/07
Kat
Tucumcari, NM
I think abortion is so wrong at least we have a chance to live these babies these babies die before they can do any thing. these babies did not ask to be conceived and they don't ask to die. There are so many that can not have kids and yet some are killing millions of babies a yearly world wide.
2/18/05
Glory Wicklund
Rancho Cordova, CA
Thank you for the film on the courageous Dr. Boyd who lives the belief that women are thinking, intelligent and responsible persons. The right for each of us to make decisions about our bodies is fundamental American-ism. The decision is between a woman, her religious belief and her doctor. Women died from illegal abortions. Women were shunned and shamed and sent away to have babies out of wedlock. Thank you for airing this program, and for continuing to produce IndependentLens.
7/12/04
Michelle Cockerham
Edgewood, MD
I just finished watching a rebroadcast of Life Matters. I affirm the right of Mr. Boyd's son to make this documentary and PBS's right to air this documentary. I would hope though that PBS would be willing to air a documentary on the opposing view so that viewers truly can be informed.
My initial reaction was one of sadness for those that believe abortion is a step towards a better life. Mr. Boyd described his motives as providing equality for women by giving them control over the reproductive process. Women have always had control over this process; it's called self control. Mr. Boyd also described his disappointment over a male protestor's love for his child. Mr. Boyd viewed this as support for the idea that men think of women as their property. On the contrary, I simply think that this father was acknoweldging that while a woman's body is designed to carry an unborn baby, the child is biologically the product of two people's relationship and he is just as much a parent to that child as the mother and he shouldn't be left out of the equation when a decision is made.
I find the title a bit ironic. Mr. Boyd obviously does not think that the life of the unborn child matters at all. The "counselor" featured said that they explain the terms and procedures to each woman, but the documentary did not describe any of those terms or procedures clearly. I did not hear the words "baby," or "death" used by Mr. Boyd or his staff in the documentary. I did not see or hear them give a description to the woman of her babies developmental stage or show her pictures of what her baby looked like. And although ultrasound was not available during the early stages of his practice, it certainly is now. I wonder if Mr. Boyd's counseling service includes an ultrasound today? I also did not hear a clear description of the procedure itself in the documentary. I did not hear the words "burned with salt," "breaking of bones," or "time of death."
No matter what terms you use or don't use, what is clearly documented is that abortion stops a beating heart... that's why Life Matters.
6/9/04
LK
Houston TX
Well what is the ultimate irony in this film? The man who is featured here (a man who kills unborn babies in the name of freedom) - is pictured holding - you guessed it "a beautiful baby". I guess that one didn't get "aborted". Think about it.
4/12/04
Constance Ryan
Jacksonville, Florida
As I watched the film about Dr. Curtis Boyd, I questioned my own courage to live by what I truely believed in especially when times get tough. I am comforted to know that there are men in the world who view women as intelligent and capable enough to make wise decisions concerning their reproductive responsibilities. Having too many children or a child at an unwanted time is not only devastating for some women but even more so for the child. A happy and healthly mother means a better life for her children. Thank you Dr. Boyd for your belief in women.
3/29/04
Heather Wise
New York, NY
I appreciated Curtis Boyd's reflection on his life's work as being a deep expression of who he is and the philosophy by which he lives. I aspire to be fully who I am at all times, through joyful times and times of trial. Thanks!
2/26/04
Janet Goldwater
Philadelphia
Remember, those of you who expect "the truth" out of a documentary. A documentary's goal is to explore a topic-- in one hour. This was a documentary about one man, his life, his journey, his choices and his reasons for those choices, as well as the affect those choices had on his patients, neighbors and family. I for one, am extremely grateful for this documentary, and grateful to learn about this thoughtful man.
2/24/04
Janet Goldwater
Philadelphia
Although the director did little to inject himself into the documentary, I was always aware of his his presence. The thoughtfulness and kindness of the father was reflected in the gentle wisdom with which the son explored this complex and emotional issue. Thank you both.
2/23/04
Stephanie Reid
Columbia, MD
Bravo PBS, Dr. Boyd, and Kyle Boyd,
What an amazing documentary. It affirmed all of my beliefs and convictions concerning the issue of a women's right to control her own body, ethical decision making-'to thine own self be true', and a personal commitment to social change.
The film truly spoke for itself and inspired me to continue in Dr. Boyd's legacy. He gives a powerful demonstration of spiritual principles and characteristics-compassion, service, integrity, humility, and love. He whole-heartedly 'walks the walk.'
What a hero, what a role model.
The world is a better place because of him and those that share his vision.
Thank you all
2/3/04
Chris
Madison, WI
I thought Life Matters was an extremely well made documentary. It was also very informative, interesting, and inspiring. Curtis Boyd is am amazing human being. I feel enriched by learning about his life. His son, Kyle, has great talent as a documentary filmmaker. Thank you.
2/3/04
Brian Mahon
Mpls, MN
I am absolutely at a lost to describe my feelings on this film. Each and every argument I�ve ever heard, those in this film and from society as a whole, supporting legalized abortion stomps all over the Constitution of our great nation and the underlying principles it was founded on. People are forgetting that another person is being impacted in the most meaningful way when a woman and her physician decide to terminate a pregnancy. Yes it is true, that the other individual I speak of isn�t capable of asking for his or her own life to be spared, but neither is a 3 month old. How is it that if a woman doesn�t want to be pregnant she can have a doctor legally perform an abortion, but that if a woman wants the pregnancy and by some terrible accident loses the child due to car accident, the at fault driver in the accident can be charged with man slaughter or even murder? Yes, Bob of Mission Viejo, we truly do live in time of serious hypocrisy!
2/1/04
Nancy
Wisconsin
I haven't seen this much bias since the last time I watched "60 Minutes." The man was made out to be a hero and a martyr for all his "sacrifices" for women. Quite frankly, I don't see us making films of the Nazi doctors and calling them heroes and this man is little more than that.
Destroying tiny baby girls is hardly pro-woman.
I would love to see a documentary of the abortionists and abortion providers that quit because their consciences couldn't take it anymore. There are any number to choose from: "Jane Roe" herself Norma McCorvey who is now Pro-Life, Bernard Nathanson the founder of NARAL, Carol Everett, Joan Appleton, and I could list more.
"Compassion" means to "suffer with." Real compassion is helping women in a time of crisis like the 4,000 pro-life crisis pregnancy centers around the U.S.
This doctor does not offer compassion. He seeks to destroy tiny people and eliminate the women's problem in the short term. But abortion does not go away. Ask the countless women seeking post-abortion counseling across the country today.
1/29/04
The Rev. Barbara Condon
Idaho Falls, ID
I deeply appreciated Kyle's film about his father and his father's commitment to women's reproductive choices. I find it interesting that in the 'Talk Back' letters I have read those who are opposed to abortion as a reproductive choice have only 'attacked' Dr. Boyd and not the clergy group who originally asked him for his help. I think it speaks volumes that it was a group of clergy - Christian and Jewish - who first acknowledged that not all pregnancies are 'joyous occasions' and sought to help women caught in unwanted pregnancies. Their efforts saved many women's lives in a time when women were dying by the tens of thousands from botched abortions. I hope one of the messages that came through from this documentary was that not all Christians and not all clergy are against a woman's right to terminate a preganancy. Many of us believe that EVERY woman should have unencumbered access to safe birth control and safe and legal access to abortion services when and if the need arises. We support women who choose to carry the pregnancy to full term and either keep the child or put it up for adoption. We also care about the children once they are born. We are Pro-Faith,Pro-Family, Pro-Reproductive Choice.
1/29/04
Renee Boutell
Grand Rapids, MI
I think this sums this topic and film up nicely...
"It is a poverty that a child must die so that we could live as we wish." -Mother Teresa
It is sad that our culture can desire to kill in order to "live" and try to label that as pro-choice...I view that as pro-death! I am pro WOMAN, pro CHILD, pro LIFE and I pray for those that are celebrating this man and his actions as heroic.
Our world will not improve until we begin to protect and respect all life, the mother's and the unborn! Our society has a responsibility to help woman who are facing this decision to understand the negative psychological and physiological impact this "choice" will have for the rest of their lives! I am very disapointed that PBS did not take the time to protray this aspect of abortion at all!
Over 1/3 of our generation has been wiped out...PRAY to end abortion!!!
Jer. 1:5.... "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you."
John 5:13.... "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
1/27/04
melinda brunsdon
I was stunned that so many of you showed gratitude to this man for ending so many lives. I feel sad for the people that believe all the lies. When you have an abortion your baby may be gone but the pain lives forever. I just have to question how many great women we have lost to abortion. This is all about the rights of a woman. However not all abortions are done on male babies, females die too. Why are these women not given the same rights? What a sad world we live in when we toss our children out with the trash.
1/27/04
Big Lake, Mn
This documentary was very bland and biased. All of the little match girl type biography fell far short of excusing the way this man's life turned out. Just the fact that this Boyd was a preacher, shows that he didn't understand the basic concepts of the Bible, or the Laws of God. A person can have a hundred degrees and yet remain ignorant.
The sweet talk to these young girls and all the hub bub about his making them feel comfortable about murder does not condone what it is. Nothing was shown or even spoken of the pain and sufferings of the baby victims. The author of the documentary could just have well have been one of these tiny victims. When he asks his dad what he should tell people who asked him what his dad did, I thought his dad's answer was cowardly. Being a preacher, he should have told his son to tell the truth. Boyd was obviously trying to give his son an outlet from the trut, just as he was trying to do to the girls . I notice none of the girls wanted to talk to him. They all appeared uncomfortable, no matter how he tried to make it appear as the right thing to do.
What Boyd did was against the law. It was stated that he felt so relieved when Roe VS. Wade passed. He said that it felt good that what he had been doing was legal after all. No it was not! And Boyd will be judged by a much higher power.
This documentary appeared to have no meaning, except to try to justify murder. And the conclusion, where Boyd fails to make his point about a man's right to try to safe his flesh and blood, was pathetic. Of course an upright man of God does not want his child to be murdered. He would be as cold blooded as Boyd himself, to be indifferent to his own child.
I watch pretty much everything on PBS, and this documentary was one of the most troubling.
1/27/04
Janice Parounagian
DeLand, Florida
I cannot help but feel a deep sadness after watching this film. I would love to see a documentary done about the women Dr. Boyd says he is helping one year, five years, and ten years after they have aborted their babies and the psychological damage to them. How about a film about how the organs of aborted babies are sold for hundreds and thousands of dollars.
Abortionists are in their business for one thing, and one thing only. The one statement in the film I most recall was when the man said, "You do this for the money." That's the bottom line.
If they really want to help women, why not offer care throughout pregnancy and assist in adoption referrals?
1/27/04
Deborah
Brookhaven, MS
I have two young children, and I have found your station to be one that is very educational, and my children really enjoy many of the programs you air. But to sit down the other night and see what you chose to show concerning Curtis Boyd and what he had done for years, legal or not, made my stomach turn. It was very disgusting to sit and watch him perform an abortion on TV. You could have done a better job of choosing something to show that night. For other people to write in and say that he is brave and courageous is ridiculous to me. Killing a baby is a horrible act, and it made me sick to my stomach to see it on TV. I cannot let my kids watch regular TV because of the bad things they see. I never thought I would have to monitor ETV. As a Christian, I was very disappointed in your choice to show this program. I think what this man does is a huge part of what is wrong with this world.
1/23/04
Bob Macias
Mission Viejo, CA
What an amazing, heartfelt and truly American story! Kyle Boyd's effort should be required viewing for anyone who still asserts that abortion, reproductive rights and family planning do not have a place in our world. Curtis Boyd is my now my hero, and I will strive to help the cause of reproductive rights as long as I draw breath.
We live in times of serious hypocrisy -- TV broadcasts are filled with commercials for Viagara and Levitra and other male potency drugs, yet no one except MTV will air condom commercials and healthcare companies still refuse to cover the cost of birth control pills. Thanks to Kyle Boyd for this important film, and to PBS for having the guts to show it.
1/23/04
Redwood City, California
Thank you for such a moving and well told story! Growing up in California after Roe v. Wade, I've always had the right to choose and to a safe and legal abortion if that was my choice. As a mother, I still respect that right of choice. Seeing Life Matters gives me even more respect for doctors like Dr. Boyd who support a woman's rights. I sincerely hope that the day will come where there are no unwanted pregnancies however optimistic that dream is. Preaching abstinence, as President Bush did last night in regards to sexually transmitted diseases, feels foolish and unlikely to work. I do hope that we can better help our children to be responsible and respectful of/for their bodies.
Thanks again PBS, Kyle and Curtis Boyd!
1/23/04
Jean Robinson
Fort Worth, TX
The advantages are knowing the real story firsthand, actually experiencing it. I thought Kyle did a great job getting his dad's message across without taking sides. I admire both Dr. Boyd and his staff for not judging these women and giving them the dignity they deserved. I feel that part of society's growth is for courageous people to act on their convictions in order to have social change. Although, I find it hard to support when I don't agree with the specific conviction. My impression of the Sixties was the freedom to express yourself without conforming to standards of the past.
I am grateful that PBS is reminding people of what it was like before abortion was legal. I don't want women to loose the right to choose.
1/23/04
Donna Faulkner Snider
Irving, Texas
documentary n
a movie or TV program presenting facts and information, especially about a political, historical, or social issue
adj
1. in the form of documents, or collected from documents
2. giving facts and information rather than telling a fictional story
Encarta World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.
Kyle Boyd's historical and cultural look at his father's life seems to answer the requirements of at least the Encarta World English Dictionary's definition of "documentary".
PBS, thank you for providing a forum for exploring social issues and exposing those who watch to differing points of view; surely that is the backbone of an educated opinion.
Kyle Boyd, thanks for sharing your caring and compassionate father with us. We are blessed to have met someone who put others' welfare before his own.
1/23/04
Hannah Maximova
Glendale, CA
Life Matters is a beautifully presented story of an incredibly courageous and heroic man. To bring abortion into a safe, peaceful and respectful environment is a remarkable example of recognizing and repairing a subtle cruelty and dehumanizing injustice.
Thank you for presenting this program.
1/23/04
Susan
Los Angeles, CA
The reason abortion procedures cost so much money is because they are so restricted, because so few doctors are being taught how to do them, because so few doctors are willing to do them out of fear for their lives and their livlihoods, because the insurance companies will not cover them, because often a woman will have to travel to another state to get one, because doctors have to pay more insurance in order to offer them... the list goes on and on. The price of the procedure will go down when the government stops regulating them and leaves it up to women, their families and doctors to decide.
1/23/04
Christine Olson
Chandler Arizona
I thought the film was amazing! It brought tears to my eyes to see a doctor act in such a brave and ethical manner.
Dr. Boyd is a hero.
His epiphany regarding abortion being a women's right rather than a violation of human rights speaks volumes to his charecter and open mindedness.
I think Kyle did a fantastic job with this documentary and I have already told everyone I know that they must see it!
Thank you Dr. Boyd your story is inspirational and you are truly an amazing man.
Sincerely,
Christine Olson
1/23/04
Valerie
Wethersfield, CT
I turned last night to watch this program as I sat holding my 2 year old daughter. I remember a portion where a woman was being interviewed who was going to have an abortion. I think she has an older child (living with someone else) and an infant. For women like myself, who have difficulty conceiving let alone carrying a child to term, and then to show this woman using abortion as a form of birth control, makes me understand why there are so many against abortion. I remember, after coming back from the hospital for bloodwork to figure out why I was not conceiving, I came across the catholic people standing outside a place where abortions are done. I went up to an older lady and asked her why they did this - that the women coming in here already feel bad enough without some holy rollers condemning their souls to hell for killing a child. She explained to me that they want to let these women know that they do have a choice besides abortion. The fact that having an abortion is permanent - once it is done, there is no going back unless the woman starts dwelling on what has happened after the fact and no matter how much psychological work they do with a woman, no one is ever going to know the affect of the abortion until after it's done. I did agree with that - they could have abstained, they could have used birth control, they could put their babies up for adoption but with all we have control over, we don't have control over if having a child will put the mother's life in danger. With regard to convictions going against the law, laws are not always for the good of all people. Some laws were created so long ago, they have no relevance to today and need to be changed. If there was something I truly believed in, I would be willing to break the law to make sure whatever needed to be done to help someone (in a positive way) would be done. I don't think it's about what's right or wrong but what you believe in.
1/23/04
San Antonio TX
Melissa Stoeltje, a San Antonio Express News columnist wrote this a year ago: "...there are countless others who, while acknowledging the decision [to get an abortion] carried some sadness and pain, remain ever grateful they were able to make it. Wonder why you never hear from them?"
My yearly contribution to the National Abortion Rights Action League is the method by which I speak. I thank you Curtis Boyd and other doctors who are providing medically safe procedures when a woman makes this decision... and only a woman can make it.
1/21/04
E Hamilton
Spokane WA
Kudos to KPBS for airing this documentary about this courageous man. I was struck with how much his "temporary" good acts, just took over his life when no one else steped in to fill the void. He shows tremendous courage in sticking to his ideals in spite of the terrorist acts directed against him and his employees. Thank yous to everyone involved in airing this profile.
1/21/04
Kirsten Burt
I'd like to thank Dr. Boyd for the good work he's been doing for so long, and the filmmaker for informing us about it.
1/21/04
m miles
I know this filmmaker and as a result, visited this site prior to the airing of the program. I was surprized to see comments about the definition of a "documentary" and and the "lopsidedness of the film" being made prior to its show time.
At least let's have enlightened opinions.
Both of the Boyd men did an amazing job of telling their story. Thanks.
1/21/04
Brooklyn,N.Y.
Dear PBS,
I must commend Curtis Boyd for making this documentary about his father.
I have always been a believer in fighting what is right,and,if it can benefit others,that is a great achievement in and of itself.
Mr.Boyd was wonderful.
I want to also thank PBS for making this documentary possible.As always,you always go the distance and show courage and bravery when it comes to what matters most.Thank you.
1/21/04
Nancy
Northern California
When are we going to realize that most of us have made mistakes in our youth, inexperience, forced situations, abandoned passion, drunkeness, foolishness...god forbid, love....stop pointing fingers! Millions of us are and have been guilty for doing what we have done for all time and will continue to do forever...make love. Which sometimes makes babies. And who is the main protector and provider of children on our planet at this time? Women. Please, gentlemen, this is a woman's choice. It always was and will be. So please get this.
I honor Dr. Boyd and Glenna for pioneering a safe and dignified way for women in need. My kind of hero, truly. A man of the heart.
I fear the bickering will never stop. A woman's choice will neither. Thank you for being so brave and for never backing down.
1/21/04
David Biagini
SF & CA
I feel that Kyle showed a lot of integrity in working to get the story right, and although I wasn't there, I feel that truth shined through the independent lens.
As to the subject matter, I believe that it is ultimately the lady's choice.
1/21/04
Compassionate physicians like Dr. Curtis Boyd are heros to those of us who've lived long enough to remember the horror of illegal "back alley" abortions and how life has changed for women with the safe contraception and therapeutic abortions available today. Anyone who thinks the repeal of Roe V Wade will put an end to abortion is living in some kind of fantasy land. Thank you for this piece. It was very well done, both as biography and as a slice of our cultural history.
1/21/04
Grandchild Of Athens Texas
Somewhere Hwy 19
Thank you Kyle for not only having the courage to make this film , but for honoring those values both your father and much of the Bible Belt share .. Thank you for showing how those very values went on to help shape our world as a better place today. Thru peoples hard independent choices of living what they know to be right, many people have benefited from compassion and love..
I was honestly left with the feeling that that was the pupose of this film to show one person's dedication to belief can change many peoples lives for the better and thereby ,the world .. I found the film to not take one side or another on the issue ..
Just that loving people make better Doctors and true Doctors treat the situaction the Doctor finds the patient in with the most compassionate possible .. It says alot for someone to gamble so much when seeking to achive such an obvious part of a Doctors care compassion...
Thank you PBS for showing this film
1/21/04
Johanna
Phoenix, AZ
I am, as others have said, disappointed that PBS aired this film as a documentary. It has been presented in same way the MLK documentary was last night. It is as though they see the triumph of abortion rights the same way as they view the triumph of civil rights -That a great wrong was set right and aren't we glad today that things are better. I disagree that abortion rights should be celebrated at all (as they appeared to be tonight). The rights of women (as if this were a men vs. women issue) were spotlighted as the main issue being fought over - as though the passe' Christians with their outdated traditions were having a hard time of letting go of their woman-dominating beliefs (as the final quote seemed to infer). The real reason for the anti-abortionists protests was lightly touched on, and (in my eyes) they were portrayed as fanatical and violent.
I disagree with violence and terrorism, but I feel very strongly on this issue and do not consider it an issue at rest. Unlike the civil rights movement, equal rights have not been meted out with this change. Rather, all unborn children's rights have been abolished. They are no longer even seen as "human" (unless they are wanted by their mother/parents). But I digress. My point is that I feel that many of our nation's citizens (like me) have been crudely represented in this film, and as a documentary (or propaganda film) I find this program to be offensive.
1/21/04
M.E. Fortune
Texas
You know, I used to believe that the abortion debate was a debate on ideologies. But the truth is, most abortion providers aren't interested in "caring for the women" as they say. Abortion is a cash cow! They make so much per procedure, it's all on a cash basis, they don't have to mess with insurance, and the doctors aren't regulated. And even better, if they botch something and their patient is harmed in anyway, they have a good chance of not being sued because their patient is too embarrassed to admit she had an abortion in the first place. These doctors prey on vulnerable women. Period. Read the book "Blood Money" by Carol Everett. She used to run an abortion clinic here in the Dallas area. It will give you a whole new perspective on who really does care about the women.
Any man that can remove body parts from a woman's womb and grind them in a disposal and says he "cares about people" is a liar.
I don't think this man should be threatened the way he has but I also don't think he should be glorified as he has in this documentary.
1/21/04
Jack Reany
Quakertown, PA
Sadly, the program only scratched the surface of an important subject for our society. Its fine to explore the political history surrounding the abortion issue, but what about explaining how abortions are performed, the psychological ramifications they have on women, and the long-term ramifications on our society and culture. Why not run a reality based show following the lives of women considering abortions with post abortion/birth follow-ups. If you want to treat the subject in true, quality PBS style please go deeper than this documentary.
1/21/04
Hurricane, WV 25526
What an inspiring documentary! The son has written a tremendous tribute to his father. Each should be proud of the other for their service to women's rights. It's sad, but true, that it is more dangerous to run an abortion clinic now than it was when abortion was illegal. Again, we are in serious danger of losing our reproductive rights if we re-elect George W Bush. Our rights don't seem to mean a thing to this president, as I could tell from his State of the Union speech tonight.
1/21/04
candy galyean
this was a wonderful documentary. i was struck by the thought that this is NOT a film about abortion. it is about freedom... civil rights, women's rights and and the right to choices apart from reproductive freedoms. we need the inspiration of bold, commited people to remind us to live bravely, intelligently and kindly.
1/21/04
Ann Hessenius
Boston, MA
As someone who has supported PBS financially for very many years, it is just this kind of programming ( a "documentary"?!?)- with such flawed logic and overt bias - that makes me furious, and unwilling to give or join ever again!
The TITLE alone is outrageous - no need to elaborate its "twist", I'm sure!
Dr. Boyd was hardly "serving others", not those humans yet to be born, at the very least. . NO hero indeed.
PBS' timing of the airing is also arrogantly insulting to thinking person who respects ALL human life.
1/21/04
jim chamblin
napa, california
i can't believe people are already responding negatively about this show. if you read any of the home page, you would find this man to be a pentecostal or baptist minister. hardly a leftist liberal. watch the show and form your own opinion. sincerely, jimc.
1/20/04
Christina Ells
Denver, Co.
I am very excited to watch this film tonight and think it is a brave step in the right direction. Kudos to PBS for airing information that is accurate, safe and responsible.
In a perfect world, abortion would not exist; but we all know that this world is far from perfect. Thank goodness there are men and women like Dr. Curtis Boyd to advocate for women's safety and freedom for reproductive choice.
1/20/04
Thank you PBS for having the courage to show this important documentary.
1/20/04
Baltimore, MD
I am disappointed that none of my local PBS affiliates will be airing this documentary. It brings a fresh view to the important topic of how women access abortion, whether or not it is legal. The Clergy Consultation Service was a strong element for social change, compassion to those in need of assistance, and a role model in so many ways. I want to learn more about it.
1/20/04
Andy
oxford, ms
This film seems to be just another example of liberal joy over a so-called "christian's" (even if he does or doesn't claim to be one now)approval of abortion. I have seen other IL programs and most have some part that sneers at Christianity and it's values. When will you people get a life and realize that only Godless, self-satisfied people want to see such garbage. I dare you to come up with a film that centers around a fundamentalist Christian who is actually trying to live like one.
1/20/04
San Diego, CA
This is in response to a comment I saw posted here earlier
I am tired of people saying they are "pro-life". They are not "pro-life", as the correct term for their point of view is "anti-abortion".
Being "pro-life" would mean that you care about both the baby's life as well as the mother's life and the father's life and everyone's life. They do not. They care only about the baby's life. So it is not "pro-life". It is "anti-abortion". I am not criticizing anyone's point of view here. Just correcting the lingo.
1/20/04
Deborah Glenn-Rogers
San Francisco, CA
The filmmaker is to be applauded for providing us with a PERSONAL portrait of a courageous man who put his beliefs on the line to save the lives of poor women and their families. I'm sure we'll hear plenty of complaints and whining from the anti-abortion forces who cannot abide honest portrayals of the compelling reasons why abortion rights are so critical to women's lives and the suffering caused by their efforts to assert control over women's bodies.
Indeed, I see there is already one letter posted by someone claiming to be "pro-life". Well, that's a great example of the Orwellian double-speak used by the anti-abortion forces. It is imperative that people of good conscience who believe in women's rights not accept or reinforce this kind of dishonest twisting of language. These folks ARE NOT "pro-life", and this film makes clear the destruction of lives fomented by anti-abortion and anti-women zealots.
The real pro-life forces are those who recognize the importance of quality of life, those who recognize that WOMEN'S LIVES MATTER, and that women aren't sub-human incubators. Pro-choice IS pro-life.
1/20/04
Curtis M. Hackett
N. Ft. Myers, Fl.
"he felt it was imperative to provide a safe alternative to dangerous back alley abortions."
As a Christian, the safe alternative Boyd should promote is celibacy,which too many people don't think about. The answer to unwanted children is not to kill them in the womb, but not to have them there in the first place.
1/20/04
Terry E. Toller
Sacramento, CA
A documentary is supposed to document. The truth, even if the filmmaker doesn't like it should be somewhere in the content of the film. I am also very dissappointed that this film was called a documentary. After Michael Moore's Oscar now this, what are we to believe when it comes to documentaries? I am highly offended and the viewers of Public Television deserve better! If we want to be misinformed, we can watch the evening news...
1/16/04
From what I gather from this website, the documentary "Life Matters" seems to be lopsidedly justifying abortion. Aren't doucmentaries supposed to be truthful and balanced? How is the true "pro-life" stance being presented, if presented at all? I am suprised to see such falsehood coming from Public Television. Even the title is a slap in the face to those of us who hold all life, from conception to natural death, as sacred.
Furthermore, the advertisement for this program was sent to me as an education opportunity. I hope I will not see programs like this in the future passed off to me as an "educational opportunity." Our youth have the right to know the full story on abortion.
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