Call Jane

In the final moments of “Call Jane,” we see Joy, having become disillusioned with her involvement in the illegal abortion organization, decide to step back from active participation. Despite her personal struggles—her daughter Charlotte’s protests and her own doubts—she still recognizes the importance of supporting women in need. Virginia offers her a tape of previous women who shared their stories, which moves Charlotte to see the depth of women’s struggles and support her mother’s cause. Gradually, Joy plans to help women in a more limited but meaningful way, offering her knowledge to teach others how to safely perform abortions, without risking herself further. When authorities raid their clinic in 1973, they succeed in escaping legal trouble thanks to aid from Will, and it becomes clear that the organization has effectively shut down with the passing of the legal victory for abortion rights, likely referencing Roe v. Wade. The story ends with Joy and Virginia joking about tackling next the issue of equal pay, symbolizing hope and a shift towards broader women’s rights. Although the film’s focus on women’s empowerment is somewhat surface-level, it underlines how crucial the fight for reproductive rights is, emphasizing that even in more progressive times, women’s autonomy over their bodies remains vulnerable. The ending leaves us with the sense that while progress has been made, the struggle for true equality and bodily autonomy endures, urging viewers to reflect on ongoing societal issues.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:44