The Turnaway Play

Three staged readings | October 9–11, 2026 | 7 p.m.
First Presbyterian Church, 321 S. Seventh St., Springfield
Tickets: $5 · Get tickets

What happens when someone seeks an abortion and is turned away?

The Turnaway Play brings that question to the stage through the experiences of women who participated in the Turnaway Study. Written by Lesley Lisa Greene, the approximately 70-minute play combines research, real stories, drama, humor, and audience participation.

The Springfield Area Arts Council and a local independent theater group will present staged readings on October 9, 10, and 11. A panel discussion will follow the Saturday, October 10 reading.

The story behind the play

Led by Dr. Diana Greene Foster, the Turnaway Study followed approximately 1,000 women who sought abortions across the United States. Researchers compared the experiences of women who received abortions with those who were denied them, following their health, finances, relationships, and family lives over time. The study found that being denied a wanted abortion was associated with worse financial, health, and family outcomes.

Dr. Foster’s sister, playwright Lesley Lisa Greene, drew on the words and experiences of study participants and researchers to create The Turnaway Play. Its characters give audiences a way to encounter the people behind the findings and talk about a subject that often goes unspoken.

Learn more about the Turnaway Study or explore the national project at .