How ‘Up the Junction’ Sparked Change in British Law

British television in the 1960s was no stranger to gritty tales about everyday struggles, but few works hit as hard as the social realist dramas of that era. While many of these stories centred on blokes, a handful put women’s experiences front and centre, shining a light on issues like single parenting, domestic violence, and the dangers of illegal terminations. It’s odd to call the genre ‘flourishing’, given the bleakness on display, but these productions were a direct response to the tough realities faced by many, and a not-so-subtle jab at a government that seemed to have lost touch with its people.

Ken Loach’s ‘Cathy Come Home’ from 1966 is often remembered for its gut-wrenching portrayal of a mother’s fight to keep her family together while facing homelessness. Carol White, who played Cathy, would go on to star in ‘Poor Cow’ the following year, another look at poverty and motherhood. Loach’s approach was almost documentary-like, capturing the rawness of life for those doing it tough. His characters weren’t just victims—they were complex, funny, and flawed, making their stories all the more real.

Factory Floors and Harsh Realities

Before those two films, Loach had already teamed up with writer Nell Dunn to adapt ‘Up the Junction’, a collection of stories set in Clapham. The play follows a group of young women, including one played by White, as they navigate life on the factory floor, nights out, and the ever-present risk of falling pregnant. The depiction is unflinching—back-alley abortions, fatal accidents, affairs with married men, and petty theft are all part of the landscape. For many viewers, it was the first time they’d seen their own lives reflected on screen, or truly grasped the challenges faced by those living on the breadline.

The 70-minute TV play, shot in grainy black and white, could easily be mistaken for a real-life doco. Scenes unfold in abandoned warehouses, with the Beatles playing in the background as the girls push prams through the streets, and pub banter revealing what’s really on everyone’s mind. But the most confronting moment comes when a 17-year-old girl seeks out an illegal abortion. She’s terrified it’ll go wrong, but feels she has no other option. The camera doesn’t look away as she writhes in pain, sweat pouring down her face. It’s a tough watch, and a stark reminder of what so many women risked for a basic healthcare need.

Public Outcry and Political Impact

At the time, ending a pregnancy was against the law, with decisions made by men in power who claimed to know best. The abortion scene in ‘Up the Junction’ was so raw and confronting that it caused a stir across the country.

You cannot underestimate the power of a film in actually changing the world; that’s why art is so important.

The backlash was swift—conservative viewers called for the play to be banned, and it was never aired again after its first broadcast. Hundreds of complaints poured in, accusing the programme of promoting abortion.

But the controversy only fuelled the conversation. The debate around legalising abortion became impossible to ignore, and ‘Up the Junction’ played a key role in pushing the issue into the spotlight. The result was the Abortion Act 1967, which made it legal for women to access terminations under certain conditions, including through the NHS if two doctors agreed it was necessary for the health of the mother or baby. This change saved countless lives, ending the need for dangerous backstreet procedures that had put women at serious risk.

Legacy and Ongoing Debate

Even now, abortion laws remain a hot topic, with campaigners on both sides refusing to back down. But if there’s one thing to take from ‘Up the Junction’, it’s the importance of safe, accessible healthcare for women. The play’s impact is a reminder of how powerful storytelling can be in driving real change, and why these stories still matter today.