Call Jane

In 1968 Chicago, Joy Griffin discovers she is pregnant with her second child. This news comes after raising her teenage daughter, Charlotte, who has recently experienced menstruation, marking a significant transition in Joy's life.

Joy witnesses the protests surrounding the 1968 Democratic National Convention, evoking a mix of hope and anxiety about change in society. The chaotic environment mirrors her personal struggles and foreshadows the challenges she will soon face.

Following the protests, Joy experiences severe fatigue and ultimately collapses at home. At the hospital, doctors inform her and her husband Will that her pregnancy has caused congestive heart failure, putting her life in jeopardy.

In desperation, Joy and Will approach the hospital's all-male board to petition for an abortion that they believe is crucial for Joy's survival. However, in a unanimous decision, the board denies their request, deepening Joy's sense of hopelessness.

Joy attempts to seek a dangerous back alley abortion but becomes horrified upon witnessing the grim conditions. Terrified, she flees, which leads her to discover the Jane Collective, an underground women's network offering safer abortions.

Joy schedules an appointment with the Jane Collective and is escorted to a secret clinic outside of Chicago. There, she undergoes an abortion performed by Dean, a misogynistic male gynecologist, allowing her a chance at survival.

After her procedure, Joy returns home and lies to Will and Charlotte about her experience, claiming she had a miscarriage. This deception weighs heavily on her conscience as she navigates her new reality.

Joy is called upon to help when a fellow volunteer is unable to escort a patient to the clinic. Mortified to find herself assisting a teenager named Sandra, she is drawn deeper into the collective's work.

As Joy becomes more involved with the Jane Collective, she assists Dean with procedures and begins to counsel patients experiencing emotional distress. Through this work, she discovers alarming truths about Dean's lack of credentials.

Amid growing tensions over exorbitant fees for procedures, Joy makes a bold move to bribe Dean. In exchange for her silence about his unlicensed status, she requests to learn how to perform abortions herself.

Joy receives training from Dean and proves herself capable enough to step in for him. When a procedure involving Sandra is assigned to her, both Joy and Sandra successfully navigate the experience, strengthening Joy’s resolve.

After a botched abortion raises suspicions, a police detective arrives at Joy's home. She is forced to admit her involvement in the collective, leading to a confrontation with Will, who is initially furious but eventually reconciles with her.

Seeing hundreds of women in need, Joy decides to return to the clinic, spurred on by Charlotte’s encouragement. She agrees to train the other women on the procedure, demonstrating her commitment to the cause.

Following the exposure of their practices, Will defends the Jane Collective in court, resulting in a landmark victory that leads to the legalization of abortion nationwide. This is a pivotal moment for women's rights and Joy's journey.

In the wake of legal victories, the Jane Collective disbands as their work is no longer required. A celebration is held to honor their sacrifices and achievements, marking the end of a significant chapter in their lives.