If the creators of “Unplanned” wanted publicity, they got plenty of it after reports came out that Twitter had censored its account, that major networks would not run its commercials and that even Christian radio was nervous about promoting it due to its “R” rating.

The movie got more attention because some companies refused to promote it than it would have otherwise.

The film is about Abby Johnson, a former Planned Parenthood clinic director who is asked to assist with an abortion. What she witnesses turns her into a pro-life activist.

The movie was given an “R” rating because of graphic abortion-related scenes. That alone caused controversy before the dust-up over who would and would not accept advertising dollars from the film.

The movie is controversial, because the issue of abortion is controversial. No one is surprised that some media companies are uncomfortable with it. And no one is surprised that musicians declined to license their music to the film. Or that Twitter may have suspended the film’s account.

What is surprising is that the film opened with a $6 million debut last weekend. While nowhere close to “Avengers” or “Star Wars” money, it is a strong showing for a movie aimed squarely at a specific audience.

It’s unlikely pro-choice advocates will flock to theaters to watch this movie, but they should. Not to be proven wrong about their beliefs, but to better understand those they disagree with.

If there was such a thing as a pro-abortion or pro-choice movie, it might do pro-lifers some good to see the other side of the coin. But these movies are rare. Sure, there are films that touch on the issue, but there are no movies celebrating abortions.

Maybe it’s because movie-goers like stories built around hope, redemption, adventure, sacrifice and love. The list of top grossing movies of all time includes “Gone With the Wind,” “Star Wars” and “Titanic” — all movies that appeal to us because of those very qualities.

It’s the reason why superhero movies do so well at the box office. And it’s why pro-abortion movies are almost non-existent. The killing of innocent life is hard to look at on the big screen. Deep down, a part of us rejects such death and celebrates life.

Maybe an industry full of pro-choice advocates has figured out what many in the pro-choice camp will not admit: life is special, life is worth fighting for, life is worth saving. That applies to damsels in need of a superhero and babies living in a mother’s womb.

Publisher Luke Horton can be reached at luke.horton@dailyleader.com.