The Story of Jane

The Story of Jane chronicles the work of an underground abortion network in Chicago from 1968-1973, before Roe v. Wade legalized the procedure. The network, operated entirely by women without medical training, provided safe illegal abortions to thousands of women in need. Laura Kaplan, a former member of the Jane Collective, documents the group's evolution from a referral service to a full-scale health organization. The book details their methods, organizational structure, and the intense precautions taken to protect both providers and patients. The narrative follows the women of Jane as they navigate legal risks, learn medical procedures, and build trust within their community. Their work continued until the landmark Supreme Court decision of 1973. The Story of Jane reveals the intersection of grassroots activism, women's health advocacy, and civil disobedience in pre-Roe America. The book serves as both historical record and testament to the power of organized resistance.

Readers praise the detailed first-hand accounts and practical documentation of the underground abortion network. Many note the book reads like a procedural manual rather than a political manifesto. Reviews highlight the matter-of-fact tone and focus on day-to-day operations. Readers appreciate: - Personal stories from volunteers and patients - Specific details about security measures and medical procedures - Documentation of grassroots organizing methods - Focus on regular women vs prominent activists Common criticisms: - Dense organizational details can be tedious - Limited broader historical context - Minimal coverage of opposition/anti-abortion perspective - Some find the writing style dry Ratings: Goodreads: 4.34/5 (1,200+ ratings) Amazon: 4.7/5 (150+ ratings) One reader called it "a blueprint for underground organizing." Another noted it "reads more like a how-to manual than a dramatic narrative." Several reviewers mentioned gaining practical insights about collective decision-making and maintaining security while providing illegal services.

Our Bodies, Ourselves by Boston Women's Health Book Collective A collective history of women organizing for reproductive healthcare access and knowledge-sharing in 1970s Boston.

When Abortion Was a Crime by Leslie Reagan Chronicles underground networks and medical practitioners who assisted with illegal abortions in America from 1867 to 1973.

The Birth of the Pill by Jonathan Eig Documents the development of oral contraception through the interconnected stories of Margaret Sanger, Katherine McCormick, Gregory Pincus, and John Rock.

Women of Valor by Susan Brownmiller Traces the formation and operations of underground feminist groups who connected women with safe abortion services in pre-Roe America.

The Girls Who Went Away by Ann Fessler Presents oral histories of women who surrendered babies for adoption due to limited reproductive choices in pre-Roe America.

📚 "The Janes" operated from 1969 to 1973 and helped approximately 11,000 women access safe abortions before Roe v. Wade. 🏥 Members of Jane learned to perform abortions themselves, transforming from counselors to healthcare providers when they discovered their primary physician wasn't actually a doctor. ✍️ Author Laura Kaplan was an active member of Jane and wrote the book based on first-hand experience and extensive interviews with other former members. ⚖️ When seven Jane members were arrested in 1972, they faced up to 110 years in prison each. The charges were dropped after Roe v. Wade passed in 1973. 💪 The group started as a referral service but evolved into a full-fledged underground network with its own medical facilities, complete with recovery rooms and follow-up care protocols.