The Janes

This is a movie what everybody should watch in the United States of America!

Very well made with astonishing original documentary films, witnesses who lived and survived the darkness of the era when abortion, civil rights, protests, personal freedom were against the law. Especially younger people must see this masterpiece. They will understand where are our freedom of choice is coming from and what will happen with our country, people, women if the abortion, protest, freedom of choice will be illegal in the USA again. Our country will be heading into the hell, period.

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.

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.

A glimpse into where we will head again without Roe VS Wade. A glimpse into the life of women before abortion became legal. LEFT OR RIGHT you should watch this for some insight.

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!