As we watch more and more states try to ban abortion, Ask For Jane reminds us what it was like before Roe v Wade.
Based on real events, Ask for Jane tells the story of a group of college women, led by University of Chicago student Heather Booth, who developed an underground abortion network that helped over 11,000 women get safe, illegal abortions in Chicago between 1969 and 1973.
“Abortions have always taken place; the only question is where they take place and how safe they are,” writer and director Rachel Carey told HuffPost. “While I hope we never go back to that practice, I think it’s important for people to know that it’s possible.”
Film synopsis
Chicago, 1969… Imagine a world where abortion is punishable by prison, and getting birth control is nearly impossible. As a result, women die every day from taking matters into their own hands.
When a pregnant student at the University of Chicago attempts to take her own life, Rose (Cait Cortelyou) and Janice (Cody Horn) find a doctor willing to perform the procedure in secret to save the woman’s life.
Sparked by this experience, Rose and Janice form the Jane Collective: a secret organization to help other women obtain safe and illegal abortions. Operating like a spy network, complete with blindfolds and code names, the Janes help thousands of women… but they can’t hide from the police forever.
The film also stars Chloe Levine, Sarah Steele, Alison Wright and Sarah Ramos. For screenings near you visit askforjane.com