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


Featured in


May we recommend…