Alice Victoria Winslow will adapt Madame Restell’s biography for Just John

Just John Films has chosen Jennifer Wright’s biography about the Victorian abortionist Madame Restell. Variety can confirm this, with the writer behind Netflix’s ‘Persuasian’ film having prepared to adapt the book.

The New York Times bestseller “Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York’s Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist,” published by Hachette, chronicles the breathtaking life of British-born Madame Restell.

“’Madame Restell’ tells the story of one of the boldest women in American history; a self-made millionaire, a celebrity in her day, a woman loved by many of her patients and despised by the men who wanted to control them, a businesswoman, a scofflaw, an immigrant,” the synopsis reads. “Madame Restell, a shrewd capitalist and full-blooded media war activist, made it big in 19th century New York by offering safe abortions. The series follows the life of Madame Restell, from the immigrant slums of New York to her mansion on Fifth Avenue, to prison and back again. We meet the men she enraged and the women (and men) who considered her services a blessing. Along the way there are first-wave feminism, the Civil War, and mass urbanization, all of which forever change the way Americans think and live.”

John’s Amber Anderson, Kate Phillips and Rosie Day will executive produce the series, which will be written by Alice Victoria Winslow (“Persuasion”).

“I am thrilled to be working with this incredible team of women to bring Madame Restell’s story into the 21st century,” said Wright. |Especially now, when there is talk of reproductive rights again
under threat in America, Restell’s story reminds us how widespread abortion has always been. Her life should inspire a new generation of people who, like Restell, may have to defy the law to defend a woman’s right to choose.”

Anderson added: “We are so excited to tell the story of this brilliant, groundbreaking woman who has, until now, faded from our collective memory. We are acutely aware of how many women’s rights to basic health care are under threat in today’s world. That’s why we’re thrilled to bring Jennifer Wright’s beautiful work to life with Alice Victoria Winslow’s brilliant adaptation.”