The Janes 2022
"They didn't have a choice."
Dive into *The Janes* (2022), a gripping documentary directed by Tia Lessin that uncovers the secretive world of an underground network formed to help women in the pre-Roe v. Wade era.
Director: Tia Lessin
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Janes (2022) about?
*The Janes* (2022) follows a group of Chicago women who formed a clandestine network to provide low-cost and free abortions in the 1960s and early 1970s, when abortion was illegal across most of the U.S. Their mission was driven by compassion and defiance against oppressive laws, religious opposition, and criminal profiteering.
Who directed The Janes?
The film was directed by Tia Lessin, known for her work on socially conscious documentaries that spotlight pivotal movements in American history.
Who stars in The Janes?
The documentary features the real-life members of the 'Jane Collective,' including Heather Booth, Judith Arcana, Marie Leaner, and Diane Stevens, who share their personal experiences and pivotal roles in the underground abortion network.
Is The Janes (2022) worth watching?
Absolutely—*The Janes* (2022) is a vital and gripping documentary that blends historical significance with deeply human storytelling. Its themes of resistance and solidarity resonate powerfully today, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in social justice and feminist history.
How long is The Janes?
The Janes (2022) has a runtime of 101 minutes, or just over 1 hour and 40 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Janes (2022) — The Underground Story of Feminist Resistance Before Roe v. Wade
Dive into *The Janes* (2022), a gripping documentary directed by Tia Lessin that uncovers the secretive world of an underground network formed to help women in the pre-Roe v. Wade era. In 1960s Chicago, a group of fearless women—many of them lay Catholic activists—defied oppressive laws, religious dogma, and organized crime to provide safe, affordable abortions to thousands. With personal stakes higher than ever, they navigated danger to carve out a path of compassion in a system determined to deny them.
Through intimate interviews with the real-life members of the 'Jane Collective,' the film paints a vivid portrait of resistance, solidarity, and defiance. Heather Booth, Judith Arcana, Marie Leaner, and other key figures share their harrowing and inspiring stories, revealing a movement that saved lives against impossible odds. More than just history, *The Janes* is a timely reminder of the power of collective action and the enduring fight for reproductive freedom.