All Of It: 'Zurawski v Texas' Follows Women Denied Abortion Access

Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Maisie Crow, Co-Director of Zyrowski vs Texas Documentary
Release Date: December 10, 2024

Introduction to the Episode

Alison Stewart opens the episode by introducing the critical issue of abortion access in Texas following the 2022 ban that effectively outlawed most abortions. She highlights the devastating real-life consequences for women and their families, emphasizing the fear among medical providers to comply with the law due to severe penalties. The episode centers around Amanda Zyrowski, the 18-week pregnant plaintiff in the landmark 2023 case Zyrowski vs Texas, the first lawsuit on behalf of women denied abortions since the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

Interview with Maisie Crow

[01:46] Alison Stewart: "You've worked together, you've worked on other projects about reproductive health in the past. What made you want to tell this particular story?"

[01:46] Maisie Crow:
Maisie Crow shares her motivation for focusing on this story, building on her previous work, including her 2016 film Jackson, which addressed abortion access in Mississippi. Anticipating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Crow sought to document the evolving challenges women face in accessing abortion services. Meeting plaintiffs like Molly, Amanda, Samantha, and Austin revealed a new dimension of activism, where women were directly entering lawsuits to challenge restrictive laws.

Developing Zyrowski vs Texas

[03:05] Alison Stewart: "How was your experience working on the previous film? How did that affect this film?"

[03:14] Maisie Crow:
Crow discusses her established relationship with the Center for Reproductive Rights, which facilitated access to document the historic lawsuit. Her extensive experience in abortion clinics provided her with deep insights into the shifting landscape post-Roe, highlighting the reduction of clinics and the increased difficulty for women to obtain necessary care. This background informed the narrative of Zyrowski vs Texas, focusing on both the legal battle and personal health crises faced by the plaintiffs.

Amanda Zyrowski’s Testimony

The documentary opens with a poignant scene of Amanda Zyrowski testifying before the Texas Senate. As she speaks about her traumatic experience being denied an abortion despite medical necessity, the camera captures various senators' reactions, including Senator Lindsey Graham rolling her eyes. This visual juxtaposition underscores the tension and lack of empathy within the legislative process.

[04:44] Alison Stewart: "Do we have that tape?"

[04:51] Amanda Zyrowski’s Testimony Excerpt: Amanda narrates her ordeal, detailing her premature labor complications, the medical team’s despair, and the dire consequences of Texas' anti-abortion laws. Her powerful words convey the life-threatening situation she faced and her plea for legislative protection.

The Importance of Storytelling

[06:35] Maisie Crow:
Crow emphasizes the necessity of the plaintiffs sharing their stories to humanize the abstract legal debates surrounding abortion. By normalizing discussions about abortion, the women involved aim to dismantle the surrounding stigma and illustrate the tangible impacts of restrictive laws on real lives.

[07:32] Amanda Zyrowski:
Amanda reflects on her unwavering commitment to telling her story, highlighting the importance of public awareness and support in combating the oppressive legal environment.

Personal Struggles and Community Support

[07:46] Maisie Crow:
Crow delves into the personal toll the lawsuit has taken on Amanda, including the development of an eating disorder resulting from the trauma of being denied medical care. She highlights the emotional support and familial bonds forged among the plaintiffs as they navigate their shared struggles.

[09:12] Alison Stewart:
Alison acknowledges the emotional weight of the documentary, particularly scenes depicting the loss of life due to abortion bans.

[09:29] Maisie Crow:
Crow recounts the decision to include the funeral of Samantha Cassiano’s daughter, Halo, emphasizing the importance of depicting the human cost of restrictive laws. She details Samantha’s unwavering resolve to share her daughter's story to foster a deeper understanding of the law's real-world implications.

Legal Battles and Filmmaking Challenges

[13:20] Alison Stewart: "What was the case against that was going to be in the Texas state court?"

[13:22] Amanda Zyrowski: (Clarification Request)

[13:27] Maisie Crow:
Crow explains that the lawsuit aimed to clarify medical exceptions within Texas law, addressing the ambiguity that led to the denial of necessary care. Despite initial wins in lower courts, the plaintiffs ultimately faced defeat in the Texas Supreme Court. Crow highlights the state's strategy of targeting doctors rather than addressing the legislative roots of the problem, leading to a chilling effect on medical professionals.

[15:11] Amanda Zyrowski:
Questions about balancing personal and professional life lead to a discussion about Molly Duane, the lawyer representing the plaintiffs. Crow reveals efforts to showcase Molly’s humanity, illustrating her role both as a dedicated attorney and a mother, thereby enriching the narrative with personal dimensions.

Impact on Families and Broader Implications

[18:20] Alison Stewart:
Alison notes the documentary’s effective portrayal of how abortion bans affect entire families, not just the women directly involved.

[18:37] Maisie Crow:
Crow stresses that abortion restrictions have far-reaching impacts on partners and children, citing a poignant moment where an 11-year-old supports his mother's legal fight. This scene underscores the universal ramifications of abortion laws and the necessity for inclusive dialogue involving all family members.

Emotional and Ethical Challenges in Filmmaking

[19:52] Alison Stewart:
Alison probes the emotional challenges faced during production, particularly in capturing vulnerable moments.

[19:57] Maisie Crow:
Crow candidly discusses the difficulty of filming emotionally charged scenes, such as Amanda’s realization that her surrogate did not conceive, leading to another heartbreaking loss. She emphasizes the deep connections formed with the plaintiffs and the ethical responsibility to portray their pain authentically yet sensitively.

Conclusion and Future Screenings

[20:59] Alison Stewart:
Alison wraps up the interview, informing listeners about the documentary's screening at the Hamptons Dock Festival and upcoming showings in New York City.

[21:20] Maisie Crow:
Crow expresses gratitude for the opportunity to share these important stories and hopes the film fosters greater understanding and change.

Notable Quotes

• Amanda Zyrowski [04:51]:
  "Being pregnant is difficult and complicated enough. We do not need you to make it even more terrible, terrifying, and frankly, downright dangerous to create life in this country."

• Samantha Cassiano [09:29]:
  "Everyone needs to see Halo's face, that everybody needs to hear Halo's story and that people need to really understand what this looked like on the ground."

• Maisie Crow [18:37]:
  "Abortion bans affect everybody. Men need to join this fight and understand that it impacts them as well."

• Samantha Cassiano’s Son [18:37]:
  "I really support that. I'm glad you're doing that. We don't want other women to have to go through this."

Final Thoughts

The episode of All Of It offers a profound exploration of the personal and legal battles faced by women in Texas denied abortion access. Through intimate interviews and vivid storytelling, it highlights the broader societal implications of restrictive laws, the resilience of the plaintiffs, and the critical need for empathy and legislative action. The documentary Zyrowski vs Texas serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind legal statutes, aiming to inspire change and support for affected families.

For more information and to watch the documentary, visit wnyc.org.