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Presented by YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, Chicago Foundation for Women, University of Chicago's Center for the Study of Gender and Sexuality, Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture, Doc Films, and Julia Stasch
Discussion Moderated by WBEZ's Natalie Moore
In collaboration with Doc Films, a student-led, volunteer-run movie theatre and film society at University of Chicago
Location: The University of Chicago: Max Palevsky Cinema at Ida Noyes Hall
Address: 1212 E. 59th Street, Chicago, IL 60637
Date: Thursday, January 26, 2023
Time: 6:30 PM Central
No cost to attend. Food and beverages are not permitted inside the theater.
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.
Link to the HBO Max Trailer: https://www.hbo.com/movies/the-janes
*Please note that the theatre is sold out and that we will re-open registration should we hear of cancellations.
We look forward to seeing you there! Please check your email for the event confirmation and payment receipt. If you have any further questions, please email events@ywcachicago.org.