The Jane Collective, officially known as The Abortion Counselling Service of Women’s Liberation, was an underground organisation that provided safe, illegal abortions in Chicago from 1969 to 1973, before the landmark Roe v. Wade decision legalized abortion in the United States. The group was founded by Heather Booth, a college student and activist, after a friend asked for help obtaining an abortion—a service that was both illegal and dangerous at the time. Recognising the urgent need for safe and compassionate abortion care, Booth connected the woman with a trusted physician and soon found herself inundated with similar requests.
As demand grew, Booth and other activists formalised the network under the code name "Jane" to protect their identities and the privacy of those seeking help. Callers would hear a simple message: "This is Jane. How can we help you?" What began as a referral service evolved into a full-scale operation when the women of Jane learned how to perform abortions themselves, making care more accessible and affordable.
The collective operated in defiance of restrictive laws, serving thousands of women in need. Their work was deeply rooted in feminist principles, emphasizing bodily autonomy and the right to make personal healthcare decisions without government or societal interference. In 1972, the collective was raided by police, and several members were arrested, but their prosecution was dropped after the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.
However, the fight for reproductive freedom is far from over. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, stripping away nearly 50 years of federal protection for abortion rights. This devastating reversal reignited the same frustration and fear that fueled the Jane Collective decades ago. Now, more than ever, the fight continues as people mobilise to protect and expand access to abortion care. The spirit of Jane lives on in every act of resistance, every supportive hand, and every voice that refuses to be silenced.
The Jane Collective's bravery and grassroots activism remain a powerful symbol in the fight for reproductive rights, highlighting the lengths women have gone to support each other in the face of legal and societal barriers. Their legacy continues to inspire reproductive justice movements today.