Midwife Chantal Birman has devoted her life to defending abortion and women’s rights. At nearly 70, she still travels to Paris’ housing projects, visiting those who have just given birth to provide them with care and advice, revealing the painful yet joyful moments when mothers return home.

An intimate portrait of an activist and midwife and a clear-eyed, sympathetic look at the lives of working-class mothers, Sheroes reminds us support sometimes comes in the simple form of conversation. Belonging to a most pragmatic tradition of French feminism, the film is an apprenticeship in care.