‘A Case for Life’ Takes Both Sides

It’s doubtful that either side in the abortion debate will be satisfied with “A Case for Life,” the ABC Sunday movie, despite the convincing sincerity of its stars, Valerie Bertinelli and Mel Harris, playing sisters divided by the issue.

“Agreeing to disagree” is a conclusion not acceptable to many, and despite the balancing act going on here, it’s inevitable that those who feel strongly one way or the other will view the film through the prism of their beliefs.

Thus, Bertinelli as anti-abortion activist Kelly may be perceived as either an overly fecund, sanctimonious fanatic, or as a loving mother deeply committed to her moral and religious convictions.

Harris, as attorney Liz, who favors abortion rights, can be read as impersonally cerebral, morally blind and unmotherly, or as a loving sister and an impassioned supporter of the well-being of women and children already born.

Writer Vickie Patik and director Eric Laneuville avoid cheap shots, presenting Kelly and her anti-abortion parents and husband (Brian McNamara) with dignity.

Still, the dice are loaded with a worst-case scenario for abortion opponents: Kelly, mother of four and pregnant with No. 5, is told that a therapeutic abortion is necessary due to her life-threatening heart condition. When she refuses, Liz, desperate to save her, takes her to court, hoping to force the abortion.

The family is divided, Kelly’s father and husband question their beliefs, her supportive mother feels like a “heavy” and her children are having emotional problems.

The courtroom rhetoric is weak, particularly in the mouths of anti-abortion attorneys hungry for a cause celebre. And it’s difficult to imagine a truly loving family adding so much extra stress to the life of someone who must stay in bed to survive. Bertinelli and Harris, however, are standouts, despite a soapy wrap-up.

* “A Case for Life” airs at 9 p.m. Sunday on ABC (Channels 7 and 3).