Set in the early 60s, Call Jane highlights the crucial role played by a clandestine organization of women who quietly and courageously provide medical care to women in need of abortions. At the time, abortion was outlawed, leaving women with few options. Abortion was viewed as a criminal offense, and women who sought the procedure were often subjected to social stigmatization, jail time, and even death.
However, such daunting risks couldn’t deter desperate women from seeking backstreet abortions, which were often performed under unsanitary conditions by unlicensed medical practitioners. In most cases, these procedures resulted in severe complications, infections, and sometimes, death. To put it simply, reproductive justice and choice were non-existent during this time.
Call Jane is a powerful and poignant testament to the fact that women have the right to make their own reproductive choices. The film features a diverse cast of women who are forced to navigate life’s challenges in a world that does not value their rights. The central characters of the movie are a group of suburban women who clandestinely unite to provide safe abortions to women in need across the United States.
As the narrative unfolds, we are introduced to the character of Jane, a wife and mother living in the suburbs of Chicago. October Mollie is another character, a young woman with an unwanted pregnancy whom Jane takes under her wing. The pair forms an unlikely bond as they navigate the dangerous world of backstreet abortions.
Sigourney Weaver plays the role of a stern yet compassionate doctor and the leader of the abortion network. She is a fearless champion of women’s rights, risking everything to ensure that women have the choice to control their bodies. Elizabeth Banks plays the role of a housewife who unknowingly becomes part of the network of women providing abortions. Her character’s transformation from a meek and obedient wife to a bold and revolutionary woman is a fascinating one.
Overall, Phyllis Nagy’s Call Jane is an extremely important film that highlights the struggles faced by women in their fight for reproductive justice. It is a compelling reminder that the fight for reproductive rights is ongoing and that we must continue to advocate for women’s rights. The film raises awareness about the right to safe and legal abortions, and the importance of having access to reproductive healthcare. Its powerful message will undoubtedly inspire audiences worldwide to fight for a world that values the rights and choices of women.