Movies have had a powerful influence on the abortion debate. Did you know that the 1963 movie Love with the Proper Stranger has a "back alley" abortion scene? Movies like Dirty Dancing (1987), The Cider House Rules (1999), and Vera Drake (2004) have promoted death as a compassionate solution for an unplanned pregnancy.

In the past year, a positive trend has appeared in movie theaters. There appears to be an acknowledgement of the sanctity of pre-born life coming across in films with broad public appeal. Four films stand out: Knocked Up, Waitress, Juno, and Bella. Both the movie Juno and the lead actress, Ellen Page, were nominated for academy awards.

It’s interesting to note that the pro-death crowd is none too happy about these films. There are two main themes that seem most disturbing to them. First, in each film abortion is mentioned, but rather quickly discounted. Women and men chose to put aside their own aspirations in order to carry a child to term.

Second, three of the films especially dispel the notion that becoming pregnant is a complete surprise. The consequence of a drunken one-night stand, a teen’s first time, and married sex can be a child—a person to be cared for, not an accident to be taken care of. (Unfortunately, none of the films present a message of abstinence.)

I think it is important to make a distinction between optimism about the trend of pro-life messages presented in film and giving blanket approval to these particular films because they have been tagged "pro-life." To that end, here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons of the four movies mentioned to help you discern their value to the Christian moviegoer.

Knocked Up (Rated R)

Plot line: For fun-loving party animal Ben Stone, the last thing he ever expected was for his one night stand, Alison, to show up on his doorstep eight weeks later to tell him she’s pregnant.

Pros: Very few, except for the fact that abortion is quickly discarded as an option. In fact, when it is mentioned to the father by one of his friends, all the men express disgust at the idea.

Cons: The language is terrible, there is rampant alcohol and drug abuse, unwed pregnancy is accepted and promoted.

Bottom line: Skip this movie! But be aware that many young people have seen it and have been positively influenced by its pro-life message.

Waitress (Rated PG-13 for sexual content, language, and thematic elements.)

Plot line: Jenna is an unhappily married waitress who hopes to win a pie-baking contest so she’ll have enough cash to leave her abusive husband. She finds herself pregnant, which throws her plans awry.

Pros: This is a very quirky film about love and friendship. Since most films focus on unmarried women facing an unexpected pregnancy, this film is unique in presenting a married woman as the central character. (One of the joys for me was watching Andy Griffith in the role of the cantankerous diner customer, Old Joe.)

Cons: This is a movie for adults. Most of the movie deals with adultery in a very reckless way. There is some redemption in the end, but I had a hard time getting past the use of extramarital affairs as a plot device.

Bottom line: Use caution. I found this movie to be thought-provoking, but there are definitely mixed messages presented.

Juno (Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, sexual content, and language)

Plot line: Faced with an unplanned pregnancy, an offbeat young woman (Juno) makes an unusual decision regarding her unborn child.

Pros: Strongly portrays adoption as a life-affirming choice and abortion as the choice of death. Juno’s parents are shocked by her pregnancy, but then supportive. The reactions of students at her school vary in a realistic way. While there is humor in the movie, the pregnancy is always presented as a serious matter.

Cons: Some may find the use of humor and the teen vernacular troublesome. Teen sex is portrayed as a normal occurrence. The adoptive parents have their own struggles—somewhat weakening the positive message of adoption.

Bottom line: Probably the most realistic portrayal of a teen pregnancy I’ve seen. If you have teens attending movies of their choice, encourage them to see Juno and see it yourself. There are endless opportunities for discussion.

Bella (Rated PG-13 for thematic elements and brief disturbing images.)

Plot line: Bella is a true love story about how one day in New York City changed three people forever.

Pros: This is an intentional pro-life movie and the care taken by the writers and actors shines. It features a positive portrayal of family, faith, and friendship. Adoption is also represented as a favorable choice.

Cons: The story is told with flashbacks and there are a few subtitles, which some might find confusing.

Bottom line: Very powerful movie. If you didn’t see it in the theater, watch for it on DVD (set for release on May 6).