The Janes

The Janes dives into the efforts of a group of women in Chicago during the 1970s who defied legal and societal barriers to support women facing unwanted pregnancies. Operating in a time when abortion was illegal in most states, these women offered low-cost and free abortions, serving an estimated 11,000 women. The film presents a critical look at the intersection of personal choice and social activism against a backdrop of legislative and cultural condemnation.

With a runtime of 101 minutes, the documentary features notable figures such as Judith Arcana, Martin Luther King Jr., Walter Cronkite, and Hugh Hefner, providing a rich context for the discussions surrounding reproductive rights. The Janes is an important addition to the documentary genre, reflecting on historical struggles for women's rights and the ongoing relevance of these issues today.