Vessel

In the thought-provoking documentary "Vessel," director Diana Whitten offers a captivating look into the life and work of Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, a trailblazing sea captain who has been making waves in the world of reproductive healthcare for over two decades. As the founder and CEO of Women on Waves, a Dutch-based organization, Gomperts has dedicated her life to challenging the outdated laws and societal norms that restrict women's access to safe and accessible abortion services. The film is an intimate and deeply personal portrayal of Gomperts' remarkable journey, which has taken her from the streets of Amsterdam to the high seas, where she operates a mobile clinic that provides safe abortions to women in countries with restrictive abortion laws. The documentary begins with an introduction to Gomperts, a fiercely determined and compassionate individual who has become a lightning rod for controversy and activism. Gomperts' conviction that women have the right to make their own reproductive choices, regardless of their geographical location or socioeconomic status, is at the heart of her work. She is undaunted by the obstacles in her path, whether they are the laws of foreign governments or the skepticism of local healthcare providers. Her ship, the "Amanita," a converted cargo vessel, has become a symbol of her unwavering commitment to her cause. The film takes us on a journey with Gomperts and her team as they navigate the complex web of international laws and regulations that govern abortion. We see her and her crew sail into the ports of countries where access to abortion is severely restricted, and we witness the careful planning and strategy that goes into each mission. The stakes are high, as Gomperts and her team face resistance from local authorities, as well as the ever-present risk of being intercepted by hostile forces. What emerges from the film, however, is not just a portrait of a courageous individual but also a larger story about the politics of reproductive healthcare. We learn about the devastating consequences of restrictive abortion laws, which force women to resort to backstreet abortions or travel long distances to access safe healthcare services. We see the impact on women's lives, as they struggle to navigate systems designed to stigmatize and control their bodies. As the documentary unfolds, we are introduced to the women whose lives have been changed by Gomperts' efforts. We meet Maria, a young woman from the Dominican Republic who is forced to travel to Cuba to access a safe abortion; we meet Maria's mother, who is struggling to come to terms with her daughter's choice; and we meet countless other women whose stories are marked by pain, fear, and resilience. The film also sheds light on the network of activists and clinicians who are part of Gomperts' operation. We meet Sabine, a brilliant doctor who specializes in reproductive healthcare, and we meet the young activists who have become the backbone of Women on Waves. These individuals, like Gomperts, are driven by a deep conviction that women have the right to make their own choices about their bodies and their lives. Throughout the film, Whitten raises fundamental questions about the role of law and policy in regulating women's reproductive lives. She highlights the contradictions between international human rights treaties, which guarantee women's right to reproductive autonomy, and the laws of individual countries, which often contravene these rights. The documentary also explores the complex intersections of power, culture, and economy that underpin reproductive healthcare policies. At its core, "Vessel" is a film about empowerment and solidarity. It shows how one individual, through her courage and conviction, has inspired a global movement of activists, clinicians, and women's rights advocates. The film is a testament to the power of collective action, where women join forces to challenge the status quo and claim their right to reproductive freedom. Ultimately, "Vessel" is a call to action, a rallying cry for those who believe that women have the right to make choices about their bodies and their lives. It is a reminder that reproductive healthcare is not just a medical issue but a fundamental human rights issue, and that women around the world are fighting for their rights to autonomy, dignity, and self-determination. As the film comes to a close, we are left with a sense of hope and solidarity, knowing that the fight for reproductive freedom is far from over but that Dr. Gomperts and her team are undeterred, sailing the high seas, one ship at a time.