Meet the Janes: The Heroes of Abortion Action Before Roe v. Wade 

In the spring of 1972, police raided an apartment on the South Side of Chicago. Seven women were arrested and charged. The accused were part of a clandestine network. Using code names, blindfolds, and safe houses to protect their identities and their work, they built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions. They called themselves Jane.

Why is this relevant to our work today? While the recent court decision has stopped short of making abortions illegal everywhere, it no longer protects the right to have an abortion in Missouri and many other states.  Now that we live in a post-Roe world, The Janes helps us envision the enormous potential for collective action to ensure abortion access.

Prior to the screening, award-winning journalist Charles Jaco will give a brief introduction about his connection to The Janes. At the conclusion of the film, Stacey Newman of ProgressWomen will share information on how you can take action to support access to abortion.

The event is free of charge, but registration is required. There are no walk-ins. Doors will open at 6:30, the movie will begin at 7:00 p.m.

Proof of vaccination or a negative covid test within 24 hours must be shown at the door.

Thanks to our sponsors:

Access Missouri, American Association of University Women, Ethical Society of St. Louis, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, Hadassah, MaTovu, National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis, ProgressWomen, WashU Hillel, and Women's Voices Raised for Social Justice