ICYMI: Families of Women Who Died Under Georgia's Abortion Ban Join Providers at Oscar-Nominated Film Screening in Atlanta

ATLANTA, GA –– This week, Free & Just and The Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation hosted a free screening of the Oscar-nominated documentary short, THE DEVIL IS BUSY, which follows staff at an Atlanta abortion clinic as they navigate Georgia’s extreme abortion ban. Ahead of the Oscars ceremony, this event brought together health care workers, advocates, and families living the reality it depicts.

The screening comes as Georgia faces mounting scrutiny over its six-week abortion ban. Last fall, ProPublica reported that two women, Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, died preventable deaths after delays in care caused by the state's ban. Georgia's Maternal Mortality Review Committee confirmed the deaths were avoidable. Soon after, state officials quietly dismissed the entire committee. 

“Every politician needs to see this film, especially the ones who took a victory lap when Roe v. Wade was overturned,” said Shanette Williams, whose daughter, Amber Nicole Thurman, lost her life as a result of Georgia’s abortion ban. “They need to understand what they’ve done. My daughter is gone, and the same people who helped overturn Roe v. Wade told me they’re sorry for my loss. It means nothing. We need action.” 

“My sister was not able to get the care she needed, and now her three children are growing up without their mom. Georgia’s abortion ban has torn apart the fabric of our family,” said Turiya Tomlin-Randall, whose sister, Candi Miller, died of sepsis while waiting for care in 2022. “I want lawmakers to think about the children left behind, and understand what they have done to families like mine.”

“I worked at this clinic before Roe was overturned and after, and I am pissed,” said Aneisha “AJ” Jacobs, WHGRNP-BC, the Director of Nursing at the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation. “My job is not to judge anyone. My job is to make sure our patients are safe and are able to receive the care they need. Georgia’s abortion ban is making our job as nurses harder.”

“This film will reach hundreds of thousands of people, and will keep abortion on their mind and help us have conversations that need to be had to save women’s lives,” said Suki O, an ultrasound technician and abortion care provider in the Atlanta area. “We have no choice but to fight. We have to uplift women’s voices, and continue advocating to get legislation changed.”

“Bring your brothers, bring your dads, and your friends to see this film,” said Crista Irwin, PhD, RN, the Research and Education Coordinator at the Feminist Center for Reproductive Liberation. “We’re in this together and it is going to take all of us to change things in Georgia.”

You can watch the panel here. If you are interested in speaking with any of the participants in the event, or learning more about Free & Just, please contact kelly@freeandjust.us.

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