Watch Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story

In the early 1900s, Margaret Sanger (played by Melissa Gilbert) is a nurse who witnesses the devastating effects of unwanted and illegal pregnancies on women and their families. She becomes determined to change the laws and attitudes towards birth control. Margaret travels to Europe to learn about the latest methods of contraception and is inspired to open a clinic back in America. However, her efforts are met with resistance from conservative groups who view birth control as immoral and indecent.

Despite facing legal battles and even imprisonment, Margaret continues to fight for women's rights to access safe and effective birth control. She also finds herself torn between her devotion to the cause and her responsibilities to her family, including her husband (played by Peter Horton) and three children.

As the years pass, Margaret's efforts pave the way for significant changes in women's health and reproductive rights. Helen Hunt also stars in the film as Margaret's daughter Peggy, who becomes a prominent advocate for reproductive rights herself.

Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story is a compelling biographical drama that explores the life and legacy of one of the most influential women in the history of women's health. Through Melissa Gilbert's exceptional performance, viewers are given insight into the hopes, dreams, and struggles of a woman whose dedication to her cause changed the world. The film does an excellent job of capturing the social and cultural tensions of the time, and how Margaret's fight for reproductive rights was truly a battle against deeply ingrained prejudices.

The film's excellent production values, including intricate period costumes and meticulous attention to historical detail, transport viewers back to a time when access to birth control was taboo. The script is also noteworthy for portraying Margaret as a complex and multifaceted character, rather than a one-dimensional hero. The film is honest about the setbacks and difficulties that Margaret faced, and portrays the deep personal sacrifices she made for her cause, including the strain on her relationships with her family.

Director David Lowell Rich handles the sensitive subject matter with sensitivity and care, steering away from sensationalism and instead focusing on what motivates Margaret and the people around her. The film boasts impressive performances from a talented cast, including Melissa Gilbert, who brings depth and range to her portrayal of Margaret.

Overall, Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story is a powerful, thought-provoking movie that highlights the importance of reproductive rights and the impact one person can have on society. Even though the film is more than 30 years old, its themes and messages remain relevant today. For anyone seeking a compelling biopic about a trailblazing feminist icon, Choices of the Heart is a must-see.

Choices of the Heart: The Margaret Sanger Story is a 1995 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.