A Sense of Quietness

Four women face the unexpected consequences of talking about abortion.

Best Documentary: Bronze2019 Third Coast / Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Competition

2018 / Eleanor McDowall / Lights Out, UK

Four women face the unexpected consequences of talking about abortion.

A Sense of Quietness follows a line of connection through four women across two referendums to explore the unexpected consequences of talking about abortion. Starting on live television at a beauty pageant, we hear from a journalist, a radio producer, the founder of a women's clinic and an anonymous woman traveling from Ireland to the UK — and discover the quiet power and hidden dangers of speech itself. Featuring the voices of Brianna Parkins, Siobhan McHugh, and Anne Connolly.

A Sense of Quietness was produced by Eleanor McDowall for Lights Out, a Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4.

Listen to the full story here.


produced by

Eleanor McDowall

Eleanor McDowall makes audio documentaries, zines about the radio, podcasts and occasionally writes sound captions for films.


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