About this event
Join us for a virtual screening of The Janes documentary about a fierce group of women who went underground to provide safe abortions for women who needed them. Afterward, we will be joined by The Janes founder, Heather Booth, Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles, and Black Women for Wellness to discuss the documentary, answer questions, and actions we can take to control our future and protect the most vulnerable & disenfranchised.
About the movie:
In the spring of 1972, police raided an apartment on the South Side of Chicago where seven women who were part of a clandestine network were arrested and charged. Using code names, fronts, and safe houses to protect themselves and their work, the accused had built an underground service for women seeking safe, affordable, illegal abortions. They called themselves "Jane."
Directed by Oscar-nominee Tia Lessin (HBO’s Trouble the Water) and Emmy-nominee Emma Pildes (HBO’s Jane Fonda in Five Acts), The Janes offers first-hand accounts from the women at the center of the group, many speaking on the record for the first time.
The Janes tells the story of a group of unlikely outlaws. Defying the state legislature that outlawed abortion, the Catholic Church that condemned it, and the Chicago Mob that was profiting from it, the members of Jane risked their personal and professional lives to help women in need. In the pre-Roe v. Wade era –– a time when abortion was a crime in most states and even circulating information about abortion was a felony in Illinois –– the Janes provided low-cost and free abortions to an estimated 11,000 women.
Schedule
10 AM - movie screening
12 PM Panel discussion Q&A with Heather Booth, Kimberly Robinson, Community Liaison Northern California Office, Black Women for Wellness and Jamie Kennerk, Public Affairs Specialist for Planned Parenthood Advocacy Project Los Angeles County (PPAP)
*All times are Pacific
