Plot

The untold story of women experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) a severe and debilitating pregnancy sickness that effects est. 3M women worldwide and leads to 1000+UK abortions of wanted children and 9 months of hell.

The untold story of women experiencing Hyperemesis Gravidarum aka HG, a severe and debilitating pregnancy sickness that effects an estimated 3 million women across the world. With tens of thousands denied treatment in the UK, it is driving over 1000 women every year to terminate their longed-for pregnancy just to escape their torment and 9 months of hell. Sick puts a voice to thousands of women not being heard. This film follows the shocking real life experience of HG - that effects 70,000 pregnant British women - and their battle for treatment. We uncover the fear, rife in our greatest health-care institutions and GP's, to provide vital treatment, as the legacy of the neonatal Thalidomide scandal still looms large - 60 years on. And go inside the pioneering scientific trials uncovering startling new evidence of a genetic link to HG, and a desperately needed root to proper treatment; giving hope to millions of women and their families. We'll see how these potentially lethal pregnancies cause women to suffer weight and nutritional damage, mental health breakdown, hospitalization and, tragically, force some (1000 UK abortions a year) into terminations or abandoning precious hopes for future children; blighting the early years of motherhood. HG campaigner Charlotte Howden, explores her own emotional journey through HG and speaks to women suffering and hospitalised for their entire pregnancy. The film reveals cutting edge genetic research being done in the UK and US which has led to medical breakthroughs shown on film for the first time. The film challenges the medical profession and asks why certain medication is not being offered. It explores loss, secrets, loneliness, women's politics and history. But it also delivers a message of hope as a community comes together to challenge the status-quo.—Lorne Guy, Charlotte Howden and Susanne Curran