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Unplanned (film)

Unplanned is a 2019 American drama film written and directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Unplanned is a 2019 American drama film written and directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman. It is based on Abby Johnson’s memoir about her work at Planned Parenthood and her later shift to anti-abortion activism. The film stars Ashley Bratcher as Johnson and was released by Pure Flix Entertainment.

Plot and premise

The film dramatizes Abby Johnson’s account of working at Planned Parenthood and later becoming involved in anti-abortion activism after witnessing an abortion procedure. It presents her story as a personal transformation narrative.

Production and release

Unplanned was written and directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman and released by Pure Flix Entertainment. It premiered in U.S. theatres in March 2019 and was later released for home viewing and streaming.

Cast

Ashley Bratcher stars as Abby Johnson, with Brooks Ryan and Robia Scott in supporting roles. The film’s cast is centered on Johnson’s personal and professional life.

Reception and rating

The film was rated R in the United States for disturbing/bloody images. Coverage and reviews indicate that it was strongly associated with its pro-life viewpoint and that its graphic abortion imagery was a major part of audience discussion.

Key facts

  • Based on Abby Johnson’s memoir about her transition from Planned Parenthood clinic director to anti-abortion advocate.
  • Ashley Bratcher portrays Abby Johnson.
  • Written and directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman.
  • Released theatrically in the United States on March 29, 2019.
  • Received an R rating in the United States for disturbing/bloody images.
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Canadian context

Canadian releases and Canadian classification details are not clearly established in the provided results, but Canadian reviews note the film’s controversial abortion subject matter and its 14A classification in at least one Canadian context.

Frequently asked questions

What is Unplanned?
Unplanned is a 2019 American drama film based on Abby Johnson’s memoir about leaving Planned Parenthood and becoming an anti-abortion activist.
Who directed Unplanned?
It was directed by Cary Solomon and Chuck Konzelman.
Who stars in Unplanned?
Ashley Bratcher stars as Abby Johnson, with Brooks Ryan and Robia Scott also appearing.
When was Unplanned released?
It was released in U.S. theatres on March 29, 2019.
What is Unplanned based on?
It is based on Abby Johnson’s memoir, also titled Unplanned.
What rating did Unplanned receive?
It received an R rating in the United States for disturbing/bloody images.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unplanned
    Supports: Film title, year, directors, writers, cast, and premise.
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9024106/
    Supports: Release date, runtime, and rating.
  3. LCMS Reporter — https://reporter.lcms.org/2019/movie-review-unplanned/
    Supports: Cast, runtime, rating, and plot premise.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/unplanned
    Supports: Synopsis, directors, screenwriters, distributor, release date, rating, and runtime.
  5. The Globe and Mail — https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/reviews/article-anti-abortion-film-unplanned-is-a-disgusting-piece-of-propaganda-that/
    Supports: Canadian classification reference and critical reception context.