Three Families

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The story behind the lifting of Northern Ireland’s restrictive abortion law in 2019.

In 2019, Northern Ireland’s restrictive abortion law was lifted. This two-part dramatisation tells the compelling real stories of the families behind the controversial campaign.

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Three Families: Series 1: Episode 1

Episode 1

Series 1

BBC One - Three Families, Series 1, Episode 1

A mother’s decision to help her teenage daughter has shocking consequences.

Northern Ireland, 2013. Under the strict abortion law in force here, a mother faces prison for helping her teenage daughter.

Northern Ireland, 2013. A mother is forced to question her own beliefs when her teenage daughter reveals she is pregnant. Intent only on protecting her child, Theresa makes a hard choice. But as word starts to get out, she discovers that she could face a prison sentence for breaking one of Northern Ireland’s most controversial laws. 

Young newlyweds Hannah and Jonathan are devastated when they learn that their much-wanted baby will not survive the pregnancy. In their grief, the couple speak to their doctor about their options, only to realise how limited their choices are.

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