Reversing Roe

Inside the Making of Reversing Roe: Netflix’s Battle to Document the Fight Over Abortion Rights

When directors Anne Sundberg and Ricki Stern set out to make Reversing Roe (2018), they weren’t just documenting a legal battle—they were stepping into a political firestorm. The Netflix documentary, which traces the decades-long effort to dismantle Roe v. Wade, arrived at a moment when abortion rights were more contentious than ever. latestnetflix.com's view is that but how did the filmmakers navigate the minefield of interviews, archival footage, and high-profile figures to craft a narrative that felt urgent yet balanced?

The Directors’ Gamble: Tackling a Polarizing Topic

Sundberg and Stern, known for their hard-hitting documentaries like The Devil Came on Horseback, didn’t shy away from controversy. Reversing Roe dives deep into the anti-abortion movement’s strategies, from clinic protests to legislative battles, while also giving voice to reproductive rights advocates. The film’s structure—weaving together personal stories, legal analysis, and political maneuvering—suggests a deliberate effort to avoid preaching to one side.

But balancing such a divisive issue wasn’t easy. The directors reportedly faced pushback from both camps, with some anti-abortion groups accusing the film of bias, while reproductive rights activists questioned whether it went far enough in condemning the movement’s tactics. Still, the final cut earned a 7.6/10 rating from viewers, a sign that Sundberg and Stern managed to walk the tightrope—at least for some audiences.

Big Names, Big Stakes: The Cast That Shaped the Story

Reversing Roe doesn’t just rely on experts—it features heavyweights from both sides of the aisle. Supreme Court justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Anthony M. Kennedy appear in archival footage, their words carrying the weight of legal precedent. Meanwhile, political figures like Hillary Clinton, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama provide context on how abortion rights became a defining issue in American politics.

But the real stars may be the lesser-known voices: Texas state representative Donna Howard, anti-abortion activist Troy Newman, and Planned Parenthood’s Colleen McNicholas. Their on-the-ground perspectives ground the film in real-world consequences, from clinic closures to the emotional toll on patients and providers. The inclusion of these figures suggests the directors wanted the film to feel immediate, not just historical.

Netflix’s Role: A Platform for Controversy

Netflix’s involvement likely gave Reversing Roe a wider reach than a traditional documentary release. The streaming giant promoted the film with multiple trailers, including a tense, high-energy preview that framed the movie as a political thriller. Clips like the Filibuster scene —showcasing the dramatic legislative battles over abortion—were teased as must-watch moments, positioning the documentary as both educational and gripping.

Yet Netflix’s decision to host the film also meant facing backlash. Some conservative groups called for its removal, while others accused the platform of pushing an agenda. The Q&A and post-show discussions that followed the release suggest Netflix was prepared for the debate, offering viewers a chance to engage with the film’s themes beyond the screen.

**The Legacy: Did Reversing Roe Change the Conversation?**

By the time Reversing Roe premiered, the fight over Roe v. Wade was already at a boiling point. The documentary didn’t just document history—it became part of it. In the years since its release, several states have passed restrictive abortion laws, and the Supreme Court’s eventual overturning of Roe in 2022 made the film’s warnings feel prophetic.

But did it move the needle? The answer is complicated. While the film earned praise for its thoroughness, it’s unclear whether it swayed any minds. What it did do, however, was provide a roadmap for understanding how the anti-abortion movement achieved its goals—and how the fight for reproductive rights would continue long after the credits rolled.