The Jane Collective with Moira Donegan
You're Wrong About
Deep Dive
What was the Jane Collective and why was it significant?
The Jane Collective, officially known as the Abortion Counseling Service of Women's Liberation, was an underground feminist group in Chicago that provided safe, illegal abortions from 1968 to 1973. They became significant because they not only facilitated abortions but also taught themselves to perform the procedures, ultimately performing around 11,000 safe abortions. Their work was groundbreaking in a time when abortion was illegal and dangerous, offering women a safe alternative to the often abusive and unsafe black market.
Why did the Jane Collective start performing abortions themselves?
The Jane Collective began performing abortions themselves after discovering that their primary abortion provider, Dr. Kaufman, was not a real doctor. Despite this, he was skilled and respectful, and the women of Jane observed his techniques closely. Jodi Howard, a key member, eventually performed her first abortion and began training others. This shift was driven by necessity and the realization that they could provide safe, compassionate care without relying on external providers.
What were the risks faced by women seeking abortions in the 1960s?
In the 1960s, women seeking abortions faced significant risks, including abuse, incompetence, and danger from black market providers. Many abortionists were drunk, demanded sexual favors, or performed procedures improperly, leading to infections, lacerations, and even death. Women often had to endure blindfolding, unsafe conditions, and lack of pain management. Public hospitals had septic abortion wards to treat complications, and deaths were not uncommon.
How did the Jane Collective operate to ensure safety and confidentiality?
The Jane Collective operated with strict confidentiality and safety measures. Women would call a designated number and leave details about their situation. Jane members would then counsel them, ensuring the patient explicitly stated their desire for an abortion. Procedures were performed in apartments, with patients driven in circles to avoid being followed. Money was collected in the car, and the group maintained a network of OBGYNs for follow-up care and emergencies.
What impact did New York's decriminalization of abortion in 1970 have on the Jane Collective?
When New York decriminalized abortion in 1970, it significantly changed the Jane Collective's clientele. Wealthier, younger white women who could afford to travel to New York for legal abortions no longer needed Jane's services. As a result, Jane's clientele shifted almost exclusively to very poor women of color, creating a complex dynamic as Jane itself was overwhelmingly white and faced criticism from Black nationalist groups who opposed abortion.
How did the Jane Collective end?
The Jane Collective ended after a police raid in May 1972, during which four members were arrested and charged with felonies. Despite this, they continued operating until Roe v. Wade was decided on January 22, 1973, which made abortion bans unconstitutional and mooted the charges against them. The group disbanded shortly after, throwing a party called the 'curate caper' to celebrate their work.
What lessons can be learned from the Jane Collective's story?
The Jane Collective's story highlights the power of collective action and the importance of providing safe, compassionate care in the face of oppressive laws. It shows that ordinary people, despite their imperfections, can come together to create meaningful change. Their work also underscores the ongoing need for abortion access and the role of grassroots organizations in filling gaps left by systemic failures.
- The Jane Collective, initially called the Abortion Counseling Service of Women's Liberation, provided an estimated 11,000 safe, illegal abortions between 1968 and 1973.
- The group's scale and their decision to perform abortions themselves set them apart from other similar groups.
- The episode details the harsh realities of seeking illegal abortions in the 1960s, including high costs, dangerous procedures, and widespread abuse.
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