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THE BUSINESS OF...
The Business Of... is a media company investigating the business behind reproductive health.
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Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein first collaborated on their landmark documentary, The Business of Being Born—a grassroots phenomenon that has become required viewing for expectant parents and childbirth educators.
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The revelation that pregnant people were unaware of their childbirth options ignited a passion in Ricki and Abby to lift the veil on other areas of reproductive health. After examining birth culture in America, they began investigating the business of hormonal contraceptives and the lack of birth control options.
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We are in a moment where women, non-binary, and trans folks are seeking body literacy and empowering forms of healthcare. The more informed we are about our bodies and our choices, the more we can advocate for ourselves.
Get Involved
The 2023 Black Maternal Health Momnibus Act is being reintroduced to Congress. ​
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Show your support by sending a pre-written letter to your representative!
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The Business Of... Films
Sixty years after the pill revolutionized women's emancipation, "The Business of Birth Control" examines the complex relationship between hormonal birth control and women’s health and liberation. The documentary traces the feminist movement to investigate and expose the pill's risks alongside the racist legacy of hormonal contraception and its ongoing weaponization against communities of color. Weaving together the stories of bereaved parents, body literacy activists and femtech innovators, the film reveals a new generation seeking holistic and ecological alternatives to the pill while redefining the meaning of reproductive justice.
The Business
of Birth Control
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The Business
of Being Born
Birth: it's a miracle. A rite of passage. A natural part of life. But more than anything, birth is a business. Compelled to find answers after a disappointing birth experience with her first child, Ricki Lake explores the maternity care system in America with filmmaker Abby Epstein.
More Business
of Being Born
This four part DVD series continues the provocative and entertaining exploration of the modern maternity care system, featuring poignant birth stories from stars including Alanis Morissette, Gisele Bundchen, Christy Turlington-Burns, Cindy Crawford, Molly Ringwald, Laila Ali, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, and Melissa Joan Hart.
Become Part of Our Community
Birth Control: Beyond the Basics
The most sought-after experts - doctors, naturopaths, and hormonal health coaches separate the myths from the science around birth control and provide incredible insights and supportive guidance to take back control of your body and your cycles in this six-part series.
Join our Film Circle - Lifetime Access to all our Films!
Own the films that started a movement! Our Film Film Circle Membership includes our award-winning documentaries, plus access to the Birth Control: Beyond Basics series, the expert video library, community events, and special gifts!
Other Films by Ricki & Abby
Medical marijuana has the potential to save lives, but existing legislation prohibits millions of Americans from experiencing the life changing benefits of cannabis as a cancer treatment. This look beyond politics and propaganda will challenge everything you might have known about cannabis and reveals the brave stories of ordinary families who are exploring the benefits of medical marijuana to save the lives of their most precious loved ones – their children.
Weed the People
The Mama Sherpas
From executive producers Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein, this topical new documentary, directed by Brigid Maher, examines a growing shift in the birthing industry: the rise of Caesarean sections.
With C-section rates dangerously over 30% in America, are midwives the solution? This moving and urgent film provides an intimate lens into how midwives across the country work within and better the hospital system, redefining how the US looks at the birthing process.
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