Well…this is odd.
Pure Flix — the Christian production company known for films such as God’s Not Dead — just got slapped with an R-rating for its pro-life movie Unplanned.
Why was it rated R? Because it spotlights the process of abortion.
As reported by The Hollywood Reporter:
[U]nplanned tells the true story of Abby Johnson, who defected from Planned Parenthood to become a pro-life activist. While the filmmakers were certain they were making a PG-13 film, the MPAA has informed them that it will, in fact, be rated R unless all scenes of abortions are removed or altered.
The movie’s creators are refusing to edit the film, so the “R” will stay.
Ken Rather, executive vice president of distribution for Pure Flix, lamented the ramifications of the rating as well as a staunch contradiction:
“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.”
He also noted what he views as a bizarre ratings system:
“We consider the MPAA’s current standards to be deeply flawed, insofar as they allow scenes of remarkably graphic sex, violence, degradation, murder and mayhem to have a PG-13 rating, whereas our film, highlighting the grave dangers of abortion in a straightforward manner, is considered dangerous for the American people to view.”
Despite that, Pure Flix isn’t contesting the rating, choosing instead to move ahead with its March 29th release.
The R-rating was due to “some disturbing/bloody images.”
According to the MPAA, the most objectionable scene is one which reveals a computer-screened image of a fetus as an abortion is completed.
Dr. Anthony Levatino — an actual former abortionist and the doctor in the scene — told THR the depiction is true-to-life:
“The portrayal of a live, moving fetus disappearing is very accurate. You’re watching an abortion. It’s an accurate view of what’s happening. It’s disturbing if you recognize it’s a human life.”
Looking to March, Pure Flix President Michael Scott offered optimism to Fox News Saturday:
“This is why Pure Flix exists: to give a platform to these types of movies. 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.”
Meanwhile, New York and Virginia are doing this, this, and this. Rated “M” – for Murder.
-Alex
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