Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinical director who is now a well-known pro-life activist, is reportedly “unconcerned” that the controversial new movie about her life, “Unplanned,” has received an R-rating from the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA.)
“We are pushing the boundaries of what has never been before on such a wide scale by showing America exactly what abortion is — and abortion is disturbing. It’s violent,” 38-year-old Johnson told Fox News in a written statement.
“In my opinion, one of the most impactful films of our time is ‘The Passion of the Christ.’ It was rated R. So I feel like ‘Unplanned’ is in good company. An R rating from the MPAA isn’t going to slow this movie down. I believe people are ready for the truth.”
Pure Flix is the company responsible for the production and distribution of the anti-abortion film, which is scheduled to be released on March 29. Though the filmmakers admit to having been initially surprised by the MPAA’s rating of the film, they also told Fox News that they’re not too concerned about it.
“This is why Pure Flix exists: to give a platform to these types of movies,” said Michael Scott, president of Pure Flix. “We’re proud to be associated with this film and we are confident that our fans will not stay away because of the opinions of reviewers and listen to those in the faith community who have seen the film and agree with us. In this case, R stands for recommended.”
Mike Lindell is an investor in “Unplanned.” He too dismissed MPAA’s R-rating, while also expressing frustration at what he perceives as an attempt by the industry to prevent moviegoers from seeing the film.
“I feel the fix is in,” Lindell told Fox News. “Whoever rated this movie must not be watching TV or videos on social media! I have a cameo in this movie and do not appreciate the R-rating. I got involved to get a message out to everyone with this true story. What a shame that some might be blocked by an R-rating from getting the truth. I hope millions of Americans will ignore this attempt at moviegoer suppression and flood the box office on opening day.”
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the filmmakers were aiming for a PG-13 film. But the MPAA informed them that “Unplanned” will be rated R unless all scenes depicting abortions were either altered, or removed completely.
The filmmakers have refused to change anything.
“A 15 year-old-girl can get an abortion without her parent’s permission but she can’t see this movie without adult supervision? That’s sad,” Ken Rather, Executive VP of Distribution for Pure Flix told The Hollywood Reporter.
Pure Flix will reportedly not appeal the MPAA’s R-rating decision, as such a process is “historically a long-shot,” and could result in the delay of the release of the film.
“This story needs to be told and the message needs to be delivered,” Scott said. “It is our calling as Christians to tell the story about moral implications of abortion that the mainstream media refuses to acknowledge.”
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