I'm going to tell you why I love Love with the Proper Stranger, aside from the fact that it stars Natalie Wood and Steve McQueen:
For those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of watching this romantic comedy, the plot revolves around characters Angie Rossini (Natalie Wood) and Rocky Papasano (Steve McQueen). After a one night stand, Angie tracks Rocky down to let him know that she is pregnant with his child. The two decide that the next step to take is to seek out an abortion.
Here’s why it’s important:
This film was released in 1963, ten years before the monumental Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision that legalized the woman’s right to choose. Up until 1973, abortion was illegal, dangerous, and often inaccessible in the United States. Love with the Proper Stranger does not hesitate to show the horrifying reality of back alley abortions.
This movie, as romantically comedic as it is, terrifies me.
I’ve been blessed enough to be a woman of the 21st century; meaning that, up until now, I have had the right to choose what I feel is best for my body. While I may have a moral objection to abortion, I understand its necessity in society. Women’s health and, ultimately, their right to choose, is of utmost importance.
It scares me that this right is threatened now. I’ve never had to fight for my rights as woman.I often think that I’ve been too privileged to have had that experience. But then I remember that the right to choose isn’t a privilege. It is, in fact, a right.
One of the main thought processes I struggled with is this: Well if I'm a respectable young woman who wouldn’t do that, then other woman should feel the same.
Therefor, I was selfishly pro-life.
But then I watched this movie.
I saw myself as Angie Rossini (partially because playing the romantic lead opposite McQueen is a dream). A sweet girl with a nice job and her own life. A girl that didn’t want to get married because of societal pressures, but because she wasn’t in love.
Angie Rossini is not the type of girl that lawmakers say seek abortions. In their minds, Angie Rossini is a respectable woman who wouldn’t dream of it. The type of woman many people so frequently associate with abortion is one that is, in our society, not near as respectable.
Because I was able to see myself as Angie Rossini, I was able to see myself in a situation where I would need that right to choose. More importantly, I was able to see myself in a situation where seeking an abortion meant that I would risk my health as well.
This film is far more than a forgotten rom-com of the 60s. To me, it’s a glimpse into the past... and possibly the future.
As much as I love this film, we cannot allow this to be a modern story. With our new executive administration, I fear it may become one.
It doesn’t have to be, though. Here are my proposed steps:
Donate to Planned Parenthood (if you can)
Become an advocate, meet with other members of the community, and make super cute signs highlighting the importance of upholding Roe v. Wade
Speak to your local representatives and urge them to support women’s right to choose
**Spoiler Alert**Love with the Proper Stranger has a happy ending. Let’s make sure we do too.
s-u-f-j-a-n-s-t-e-v-e-n-s
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