For Many in Chicago, the Pre-Roe World Meant a Call to the Janes
This episode was originally published on June 7, 2022.
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, is now available on HBO.
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm Call or Text Us: (773) 780-0246 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Did Mayor's ICE Order Actually Do Anything? Plus, 1,000 Teens Downtown
Today, a City Council committee will question the details and effectiveness of the Mayor’s “ICE on Notice” executive order as ICE sightin...

Harold’s Chicken Battle, Ford City Suitors, and Next Great Food Fest
In January, longtime Harold’s Chicken Shack CEO Kristen Pierce-Sherrod passed away. Now, a legal battle between her five children and her...

Influential Priest Accused of Abuse, Beware Raw Lettuce, and All-Star Weekend
The Rev. Michael Pfleger, the St. Sabina parish leader for 45 years, has been removed from his position as the Archdiocese of Chicago inv...

Tips For Second Heat Wave. Also, Can the Onion Make Infowars Funny?
Another heat wave is hitting Chicago. Here's what to expect. Also on today's podcast, we talk to Onion executive editor Jordan LaFlure ab...

City’s Street Vendor Crackdown, Mayoral Quiz, and Belugas at Shedd
Chicago is seeing a rise in enforcement against immigrant street vendors. Over the last few months the Street Vendors Association of Chic...

Is Chicago Still Broke? Plus, ICE Arrests Increasing
What have we learned in the last week about the city’s financial position, and what does that mean for the growing field of mayoral candi...

Mayor’s Transit and Public Health Picks. Plus, ‘Love Island’ Mania and Chicago’s Next Hit Show
Today we’re talking about some new appointments coming out of the Johnson administration, including a new Public Health Commissioner and...

Is Chuy Garcia Controlling Congressional Race? Plus, a Visit to Feld
U.S. Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia (4th) has been accused of thumbing the political scales in favor of his chosen successor. In November, Garc...

Why Massage Parlors Are Getting Raided in the 12th Ward
Two illicit massage parlors on Archer Avenue were raided within weeks of each other — including one next door to 12th Ward Ald. Julia Ram...

Who Will Replace Retiring Police Chief? Plus, Chicago's New Gayborhood?
The Chicago Police Department will be without a permanent police superintendent starting July 15, as current superintendent Larry Snellin...

