A Womb with a View (Jennifer Miller, 2011): USA

Review by Bethany Burns. Viewed at the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, Metro 4

“We’re all more than vaginas.” is just one of the messages delivered through this amazing film directed by Jennifer Miller. A Womb with a View is a documentary that touches on the sensitive topic of women who do not want to or cannot have children. Every aspect from hysterectomy, tubal ligation, abortion, inability to conceive, or simply the choice not to get pregnant are touched on in this film.

Of the 28 women interviewed for this documentary 18 were featured. One of which was a woman named Judith, who’s marriage was terminated by her husband when she announced to him she never wanted to have children. After her divorce Judith wrestled with the idea that she was at fault for not wanting the typical “family life” but went on to be a successful author, and animal lover.  Every woman featured in this film had a different story to tell, but the same over all perspective on children and family. Being a mother is not the only thing that enables women to take on the role of a care giver. Lori age 38, has played the role of solo care taker for her grandmother for 8 years. Upon finding out she was reaching menopause she began to find the deeper meaning in her role with her grandmother. Although the question of “who is going to take care of me?” crossed her mind many times, Lori expressed her acceptance of remaining childless and her ability to find the same kind of joy in her relationship with her grandmother.

This film explores not only why women choose not to have children, but also what our role is in society as a woman. It highlighted women in history who had never had children and left amazing legacies such as Joan of Arc, and Oprah. It addresses the issue of motherhood, and the fear women have of how they would cope with the loss of their child. As well as societal pressures on women to get married and have families. Pressure from peers and family or the possibility of losing your significant other are also contributing factors that  can cause women to start families without the knowledge or preparation to do so. The driving emotion behind all of these things seems to be nothing shy of fear. Fear of rejection, judgement, loneliness, and abandonment.  Most of all these women seemed to share the fear of how others will react when a she makes a choice that sets her outside of the “role” of a woman. It forces us to ask ourselves what that role is? How was it established? And what can we do to change this ideology that has been set for us over the last few centuries.

I was nothing short of inspired by this film. It not only created a safe platform for women to openly speak about their feelings on topics such as abortion.  It also provided information and statistics about the different surgical procedures available for those who seek them.  I was able to listen to women share stories which matched my own, and see all the amazing things they had done with their lives because they did not want to start families.  I have never wanted to be a mother, and to know that I am not alone in my plight gave me a sense of ease  I have never felt when addressing the issue of children and why I do not want any of my own.  This choice does not mean I could never be a good mother, or that I lack the ability to care for others. It simply means that I know myself, my potential, and what I want from this lifetime.

All I need remember is to stay true to myself and life will unfold it’s magic for me. Everything happens for a reason the only thing I can do is accept it and follow the path that is true to my soul.