The Janes

Did you know that Cook County Hospital had a specific ward just for women who had botched abortions? The doctor here says some days they would get up to 30 women a day through the ER and too many unnecessary deaths.

These women are incredible. They must be so angry and astonished that the Court has overturned the decision. This film makes me wonder if a similar underground will evolve.

Tia Lessen & Emma Pildes' THE JANES is a straightforward yet relevant and well-made Documentary about a group of Chicago women who banded together to facilitate reproductive rights to women when abortion was still illegal in the late 60s and early 70s. They were, for the most part, ordinary women who, fueled by the equal rights movement, wanted to provide options to ALL females regardless of race, age or financial situation.

Because the operation was so clandestine, it's no surprise that there is little actual footage of The Janes from the time period. There are some photographs and later interviews, but, most of what see outside the present day talking heads is stock footage of the time period. Still, the interviews with some of the surviving Janes, who along with their chief 'Doctor', mainly still use pseudonyms, are smartly presented and illuminating.

This is a staggeringly powerful story -- plot-driven, with memorable characters, a brisk pace, and a deeply abiding humanity.

Through exhaustive archival research, the filmmakers manage to immerse the viewer in the era. And yet, stylistically, the film feels contemporary -- better yet, it feel timeless.

Is this the new model for historical documentary? I hope so: move over Ken Burns and Stanley Nelson -- we need more historical docs like The Janes!

It lifted me up in one moment, devastated me in another, and left me challenged, hopeful, angry, and awed. I really couldn't recommend it more strongly.

Epic documentary on amazing women that changed society and drastically helped so many in need. A powerful story told straight from the Jane women themselves that is so needed considering the current situation in America. Will hopefully leave you feeling inspired and hopeful that change will come again!

No matter where you stand on abortion, this documentary is an essential watch. It lays bare, succinctly, the struggle and wherewithal these women (and men!)had to address the desperate situation many women found themselves in. The hypocrisy still lives even today ( catholic priest condemning abortions while probably molesting their alter boys). These women, even beyond race, class, or economic status, fought in solidarity to provide ( and give) an alternative. They also took back control of their bodies, literally and metaphorically. Watch it...learn...empathize!!