Ask for Jane

In 1973 Chicago, we meet Patty, a young woman facing an unplanned pregnancy. In a state of fear and urgency, she decides to abandon her studies and return home, illustrating her inner turmoil and the societal pressures she's grappling with.

Patty encounters Rose, a passionate advocate for women's rights. Rose encourages Patty to consider abortion, highlighting the risks and complications associated with such decisions in a society that has outlawed them.

Donna struggles with her sister Anne Marie's departure from their joint teaching career in sex education. As Principal Rafferty resists changes, Donna fights to incorporate essential birth control education into the school, pushing against decades of tradition.

Barb learns of her own pregnancy and contemplates a marriage proposal from her boyfriend, Tim. The proposal stirs conflict as Tim suggests abortion, forcing Barb to evaluate the implications of their potential marriage.

Amid personal upheavals, Patty, Rose, and Janice graduate with determination. They seize the opportunity to establish the Women’s Liberation Meeting, later known as the Jane Collective, committed to aiding women seeking safe abortions.

As the Jane Collective gains momentum, its members begin the urgent task of locating safe abortion providers. This mission represents a critical step forward in their fight for women’s autonomy and health.

Janice receives a alarming phone call regarding potential exposure of their activities, prompting Rose to sever ties with her fiancé Bill, prioritizing the collective's safety. The urgency of their mission deepens amidst the looming threats.

Donna's advocacy for comprehensive sex education provokes backlash from a student, leading to her termination from the school. This event underscores the personal costs of their activism and the societal resistance they face.

In response to rising tensions, the collective organizes a significant protest advocating for abortion rights. The event garners public support and sympathy, emphasizing the critical nature of their fight in the backdrop of societal chaos.

During the protest, a seemingly sympathetic police officer advises the collective to exercise caution, hinting at a temporary reprieve from law enforcement scrutiny. However, this moment of safety is short-lived as tensions rise.

The members of the collective discover that Dr. Charlie has misrepresented his medical qualifications, sparking a crisis within their ranks. This revelation catalyzes a series of unfortunate consequences for their group and the women they aim to help.

Despite the turmoil, Janice learns to perform abortions under Charlie's guidance, marking a significant step in the collective's self-sufficiency. This training galvanizes other members to acquire crucial skills, fostering camaraderie and resilience.

As legal repercussions mount, the collective faces arrests, resulting in profound personal and collective challenges. Their plight captures national attention as the impending trials coincide with the game-changing Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision.

The trials culminate in a powerful victory when all charges against the women are dismissed. Their unwavering dedication to women’s rights not only changes their lives but also marks a significant milestone in the broader struggle for reproductive freedoms.