Drama,History
United States of America
Ask for Jane is a period drama film released in 2018 and directed by Rachel Carey. Set in the early 1970s in Chicago, the movie follows a group of young women who become activists and risk their lives to establish an underground network that provides safe and affordable abortions to women in need.
The story begins when a college student named Janice (Cody Horn) accidentally becomes pregnant and discovers that legal abortions are only available to women who are wealthy or connected. Desperate to terminate the pregnancy, she turns to a shady back-alley abortionist and nearly dies as a result. Horrified by her experience, she decides to take action to help other women avoid a similar fate.
Janice and her friends start by gathering information about abortion, meeting with doctors and social workers to find out how to perform safe abortions. They then recruit volunteers and establish a network of safe houses where women can stay before and after the procedure. They also develop a code word, "Jane", which they use to identify themselves and their allies.
As the group grows in size and influence, they face increasing opposition from the authorities and from anti-abortion groups. They are harassed, arrested, and threatened, but they refuse to back down. In the end, their efforts help thousands of women obtain safe, legal abortions, and pave the way for the landmark Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade.
The film features a talented ensemble cast, including Alison Wright, Lauren Holly, Sarah Steele, and Cait Cortelyou. It is a powerful and timely reminder of the importance of access to reproductive healthcare, and a tribute to the brave women who risked their lives to fight for it.
