Abortion storylines are becoming more commonplace, but many still aren’t reflective of the real-life circumstances of most abortion patients in the U.S. This panel will explore how TV can further improve depictions of abortion onscreen, and how by creating awareness and lowering the disparities between fictional representation and real-world statistics, the industry can use its power on and off screen to encourage proactiveness around reproductive health. Panel moderated by Merritt Tierce.

CARINA ADLY MACKENZIE

Showrunner/Executive Producer, "Roswell, New Mexico"

LINDA SCHUYLER

Showrunner/Executive Producer, "Degrassi: The Next Generation," "Degrassi: Next Class"

JACEY HELDRICH

Writer, "The Handmaid’s Tale"

JANINE SHERMAN BARROIS

Showrunner/Executive Producer, "Claws"

VOD Panel available to festival badgeholders, or on-demand after the festival.