Syndrome

Production and year: Poland, 2010 Genre: documentary Screenplay: Maciej Bodasiński, Lech Dokowicz Directed by: Maciej Bodasiński, Lech Dokowicz Medical topic: abortion, post-abortion syndrome Description: A short but very insightful film depicting the consequences of abortion. The film’s protagonists are Tomasz and Lidka. Lidka is pregnant with her second child, having already given birth to her first. Shortly after their wedding, the young couple had an abortion because the pregnancy was unplanned, and the parents were completely unprepared for it. The film brilliantly illustrates the consequences of this act—the so-called post-abortion syndrome—which, in fact, is not yet officially recognized in medicine. It is a story of grief and lost love, a constant sense of loss, the drifting apart of two partners, the deliberate infliction of pain upon one another, as well as hope and forgiveness. From a medical perspective, the film prompts reflection and opens our eyes to a still little-known problem related to psychosomatic disorders. It is somewhat surprising that two people were able to officially admit to having had an abortion on camera. But from their statements, it is clear that this is, to some extent, a form of atonement for the act they committed, as well as penance and better preparation for their next child. On the other hand, they want to highlight the issue of abortion in terms of its consequences, which are rarely discussed, because silence usually follows? Shame? Pressure from the abortion industry? The film on CD is hard to find, but it can be viewed on YouTube, among other places.