An Afternoon of Law, Medicine and Popular Culture

Mike Leigh’s film depicts access to abortion in post-war London, juxtaposing the rich women who ‘get into trouble’ and visit friendly doctors on Harley Street who enquire solicitously about histories of suicide within the family, with working class women who can’t face another pregnancy and who seek out the services of Vera Drake, a char woman who ‘helps them out’ with her trusty carbolic soap. This is the hypocrisy of England before the Abortion Act, where safe abortion is available if you can afford it and less safe abortion is available if you know who to ask.

Following the film Dr Samantha Halliday, Durham University, will lead the discussion of the issues raised.

Please note that due to copyright licensing this event is only open to staff and students of the university.

Please register here: Registration Form: An Afternoon of Law, Medicine and Popular Culture – Fill in form