Vera Drake paints an extraordinary portrait of a selfless woman who is completely devoted to, and loved by, her working class family. She spends her days doting on them and caring for her sick neighbor and elderly mother.

However, she also secretly visits women and helps them induce miscarriages for unwanted pregnancies.

While the practice itself was illegal in 1950s England, Vera sees herself as simply helping women in need, and always does so with a smile and kind words of encouragement. When she is finally found out by the authorities, Vera's world and family life rapidly unravel.

The film offers a compelling historical perspective on the much discussed controversial subject and raises difficult questions that are as timely and relevant today as they were decades ago.