GMC Responds to Complaints for Cutting 'Pivotal' Pro-Life Scene From 'October Baby'

By Audrey Barrick, Christian Post Reporter Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Family friendly channel GMC is drawing criticism for cutting out what some viewers consider the "most important pro-life scene" in the film "October Baby."

"October Baby" had its television premiere on Sunday with three showings on GMC. While the movie itself drew praise from TV viewers, those who already watched the film on the big screen are not happy that a pro-life scene was edited out.

"GMC Should be ashamed of themselves for cutting out the most important pro-life scene in the movie October Baby. Put it back in and apologize," said Dennis Hogan on the channel's Facebook page.

"Why did you get rid of the most important part of this movie. Why!!!!!!!! you destroyed the movies message by doing so...," Steven Pankratz commented.

GMCTV responded to the complaints Monday, saying it wasn't their intent to alter or dilute the impact of "October Baby."

"All movies on gmc are edited for length and for various types of content (graphic violence, sex, language, etc.). We always aim to ensure that the essence of the story is not altered by the editing process. Upon further reflection in light of your comments, we agree that some of these edits were not necessary. We will be re-editing the film to re-introduce these portions in all future airings," the network stated.

Some viewers were also flustered that GMC was supporting the Susan G. Komen Foundation, a breast cancer organization that provides funds to Planned Parenthood.

"It would also be a great idea to cut the abortion-funding Komen connection from the re-edited version. That makes absolutely NO sense," commented Cindy Kraft.

With rave reviews, "October Baby" had a successful box office run this year, topping $5 million in ticket sales. The pro-life film follows a college student who finds out she was adopted after a failed abortion attempt. She and her friends take a road trip in search of answers about her birth.

Susan Michelle Tyrrell who blogs on Bound4Life.com said the film is pro-life from start to finish. She described what she called a "pivotal scene," which was the scene cut out by GMC.

"A pivotal scene occurs when Hannah finds the abortion center nurse who assisted with the failed abortion (Jasmine Guy). The nurse tells her, 'there were things that happened there, terrible things, things he had me do.' She explains how the abortionist called babies 'tissue' so much that she began to believe it – until the day of the failed abortion: 'I didn't see the face of no tissue; I just saw the face of a child.'"

GMC plans to air the movie again on Sunday at 11 a.m. ET and 12 a.m. ET.