Plan to See Unplanned in Theaters Next Week

On March 29, 2019, the movie Unplanned will be released in theaters nationwide. Chronicling the life of Abby Johnson, former director for Planned Parenthood, the movie details why she chose to leave the organization and became a pro-life advocate. (See trailer here.)

Pro-lifers were surprised when the movie received an R-rating by the Motion Picture Association of America. Ironically, girls younger than 17 can receive abortions from Planned Parenthood without parental permission, but they can’t see a movie (without a parent) about the organization and this medical practice that has ended the lives of millions of unborn children since abortion became legal in the United States in 1973.

"Now is the time to be bold, and take someone by the hand to see this movie,” said Kathleen Wilson, Volunteer Coordinator for Marriage, Family and Pro-Life Ministry for the Archdiocese of Detroit (AOD). “Please prayerfully consider who to invite, and use this occasion as a catalyst to move beyond apathy to action.”

Wilson believes this movie has the power to engage people who may not agree with the pro-life position, but “whose consciences are being awakened”. She said the movie can lead to a dialogue that can “change hearts and minds”.

Abby Johnson, played by actress Ashley Bratcher, sees movement on the ultrasound she never expected to see.

“Seeing the movie yourself allows you to be able to talk with your family members, your friends and co-workers, to urge them to see it,” said Wilson, adding the movie provides a springboard that could lead those who have been touched by abortion to seek healing. “This is when you can share with them all the resources available to get help.”

Wilson urges those who feel God calling them “to do something in defense of life” to seek out pro-life groups through their church or parish. “If your church or parish does not have something like a Respect Life Committee, consider becoming the rep for your parish -- the ‘leaven’ to get one started!” In the Archdiocese of Detroit, she said information is available through the AOD Office of Marriage, Family and Pro-life, and she also suggests young people get involved in the youth program Building Bridges to a Culture of Life. Anyone who needs more information, inside or outside the Archdiocese, is welcome to contact Wilson at wilson.kathleen@aod.org.

Unplanned will be shown at theaters around the country. Tickets can be pre-ordered here. In the Detroit area, groups have organized private showings to kick start attendance during the week of March 25, prior to opening weekend. Wilson points out, if one venue sells out, there are many others to attend, and all proceeds benefit local crisis pregnancy centers such as Mother and Unborn Baby Care in Southfield, ICU Birthchoice mobile ultrasound unit, Another Way Pregnancy Center in Farmington Hills, Stanton Healthcare of Detroit, and Project Hope, the pro-life ministry of Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan.

Preview events (with tickets still available at the time of publishing) are being held in Auburn Hills, Livonia, Woodhaven and Troy. See details below on how to obtain tickets. All previews have an introductory program beginning at approximately 6:30 pm with the movie showing at about 7:00 pm.

Monday, March 25

Auburn Hills MC Star, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills Michigan

-Organized by Legatus member, Don Spence, with support from Everest Collegiate High School & Academy in Clarkston. Click here to purchase tickets.

Tuesday, March 26

Auburn Hills MC Star, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills Michigan (details above)

Wednesday, March 27

Auburn Hills MC Star, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills Michigan (details above)

Thursday March 28

Auburn Hills MC Star, Great Lakes Crossing, Auburn Hills Michigan (details above)

Woodhaven AMC, 21720 Allen Road, Woodhaven, Michigan

-Showing in two separate theaters. Organized by Stanton Healthcare of Detroit. Get tickets on Eventbrite here.

Troy MJR Grand Digital Cinema 16, 100 E. Maple Road in Troy, Michigan

-Organized by Respect Life committees from Catholic groups including St Owen Parish in Bloomfield Hills, St Hugo Parish in Bloomfield Hills, St Regis Parish in Bloomfield Hills, and the National Shrine of the Little Flower High School in Royal Oak. Tickets are available in all these church front offices for $10-15 donation.

Livonia AMC 20, 19500 Haggerty Road, Livonia, Michigan

-Showings in theaters 16 and 18. The showing in 16 is organized by the Respect Life Committee at Our Lady of Victory Parish in Northville. The showing in 18 is organized by the Life Issues Committee of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish in Plymouth. Contact the parish offices for tickets.

Friday March 29

Livonia AMC 20, 19500 Haggerty Road, Livonia, MI

-Organized by the local Knights of Columbus through Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington. Tickets are available from the parish office and are discounted from the regular ticket price, since this is opening night to the general public. Prices are $8.00 for adults and $5.00 for students. (Young people under age 17 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian).

Coming next on www.worthythings48.com, a feature on the Catholic Crisis Pregnancy Center in Southfield, Michigan, Mother and Unborn Baby Care, celebrating 35 years since its founding, helping mothers in crisis pregnancies can give life to the babies.