The Independent, the global media brand dedicated to making change happen, announces the release of its latest documentary, The A-Word, a hard-hitting exploration of life in post-Roe v. Wade America. The new 40-minute feature-length documentary from Chief International Correspondent Bel Trew comes as The Independent expands its role as a leader in investigative storytelling through Independent TV.
The A Word offers an unflinching look at the fallout from the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, exposing the lives impacted by abortion bans and the challenges faced by medics on the front lines. Bel Trew travels across America, meeting women like Nicole Blackmon, a mother from Alabama forced to endure a life-threatening pregnancy, and doctors like Laura Andreson, who risks prosecution to help her patients. The documentary also highlights the efforts of Christian nationalists pushing for federal bans and restrictions on abortion and IVF.
“This film is about more than abortion rights; it’s about healthcare, equality, and the future of women’s autonomy,” says Bel Trew, Chief International Correspondent, The Independent. “In the wake of Roe v. Wade’s reversal, the stakes have never been higher, and the stories we tell in The A-Word are a testament to the devastating impact on women and families across America.”
The documentary is supported by a series of exclusive features that delve deeper into the issues uncovered, including new data revealing how crisis pregnancy centers (CPCs) are funded and operated. Across multiple days of content running from October 23 – 26, The Independent will spotlight personal stories, expert insights, and investigative reports that expose the impact of these centers, explore the challenges facing Black women in maternity care, and provide an inside look at the growing risks for women seeking abortions. This in-depth coverage offers a critical examination of the state of reproductive rights in America, inviting audiences to consider what the future holds.
This documentary is part of The Independent’s broader commitment to high-quality, high-impact journalism. The A-Word builds on The Independent’s growing documentary portfolio, following The Body in the Woods, a powerful expose that explored Ukraine’s search for the missing during Russia’s invasion, opening with the discovery of a young man’s body bound, shot, and burned outside Kyiv.
According to Comscore, The Independent reached 29.4 million US readers in August 2024, and it is now the seventh largest digital news brand in the US. In this election year alone, US visitors have risen 49%, and page views are up a staggering 228%, with average views increasing 119%. This growth across both reach and engagement demonstrates that US readers are choosing The Independent as their source of truth at this critically important time.
Zach Leonard, Chief Operating Officer, The Independent, comments: “Our recent growth in the US reflects our commitment to delivering trustworthy, independent journalism that drives real impact. The A-Word exemplifies our mission to tell the stories that matter most, especially at a time when crucial freedoms are being debated and challenged.”
The A-Word will be available to stream on The Independent’s platform from October 23, 10am EST/ 3pm GMT offering viewers an in-depth look at the consequences of restrictive abortion laws in the United States.
