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June 7, 2022

Before Roe v. Wade, Woman Called ‘Jane.’ Here's Who Answered.

City Cast Chicago

Before Roe v. Wade, Woman Called ‘Jane.’ Here's Who Answered.

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The reversal of Roe v. Wade won’t end abortion — it will make access to safe abortion much more difficult. Before the Supreme Court’s landmark abortion rights decision women had to take dangerous measures to end a pregnancy. Seeing the need, a group of women based in Chicago’s Hyde Park neighborhood created a service that provided everything from counseling to rides to appointments. You called a number, and you asked for Jane. Laura Kaplan was part of the group, and she’s the author of “The Story of Jane: The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service.” She spoke with lead producer Carrie Shepherd.


The Janes,” a new documentary featuring Kaplan and other former members, premieres Tuesday on HBO.


Some good news: See the pod team at Chi Hack Night at 7 p.m. tonight in person and online.


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