Podcast Summary: "The Jane Collective with Moira Donegan"

Introduction In the September 4, 2024 episode of You're Wrong About, host Sarah Marshall engages in a profound conversation with Moira Donegan, a respected columnist and co-host of the Embed with the Right podcast. The episode delves into the history and impact of the Jane Collective, an underground feminist group in Chicago that provided illegal abortions from the late 1960s until the Roe v. Wade decision in 1973.

1. Background of the Jane Collective

Establishment and Purpose Moira introduces the Jane Collective, initially known as the Abortion Counseling Service of Women's Liberation. Founded in Chicago around 1968, the group sought to provide safe and legal abortions at a time when Roe v. Wade had not yet legalized the procedure nationwide. Jane became a household name as women referred others to the Collective by simply asking for "Jane."

Scale and Operations Unlike other similar groups, Jane operated on a larger scale, performing approximately 11,000 safe and illegal abortions over five years. The members ranged from young women in their late teens to those in their early forties. Moira notes, “It’s estimated that Jane, over the five years or so of its existence, from about 1968 to 1973, performed about 11,000 safe and illegal abortions” ([09:35]).

2. The Societal Context of the 1960s and 1970s

Legal and Social Barriers Prior to Roe v. Wade, abortion was illegal across the United States except in a few states like New York and California. Women seeking abortions often turned to the black market, facing high costs and unsafe conditions. Moira highlights the dire circumstances: “Black market abortions almost never included pain management... It is totally legal for you to get fired when your boss finds out you're pregnant” ([10:28]).

Women's Rights and Reproductive Justice The era was marked by significant gender-based discrimination. Women had limited access to contraception, faced employment discrimination, and lacked financial independence. The Jane Collective emerged as a radical response to these oppressive conditions, aiming to reclaim women's autonomy over their bodies.

3. Key Figures and Organizational Dynamics

Heather Booth: The Catalyst Heather Booth, a University of Chicago graduate and activist, plays a pivotal role in the formation of Jane. Her involvement begins after she assists a friend in obtaining an abortion, which leads her to formalize the Collective. Moira describes Heather as “a kind of a really, I get the impression that it was hard to be Jody already...” ([23:19]).

Jody Howard: The Force Behind Jane Jody Howard, a member of Jane, becomes a central figure due to her relentless drive and charisma. Her personal struggles, including battling cancer and raising two children, add complexity to her leadership. Jody's determination leads Jane to transition from merely connecting women to providers to training women to perform abortions themselves. Moira states, “Jodie has the idea that they need an in-house guy... she starts performing abortions herself” ([34:56]).

Internal Conflicts and Leadership Despite its non-hierarchical structure, Jody effectively takes control, leading to tensions within the group. Her decision to train non-doctors as abortionists sparks controversy, ultimately causing a split when the truth about Dr. Kaufman's credentials emerges. This internal conflict highlights the challenges of maintaining a collective leadership model.

4. The Abortion Procedure and Medical Practices

Technical Aspects of D&C Abortions Moira provides a detailed explanation of the dilation and curettage (D&C) abortion procedure, emphasizing the risks involved when performed by untrained individuals. “A lot of black market abortions… could lead to really terrible infections” ([16:12]).

Dr. Kaufman: A Reliable Provider Dr. Kaufman, an underground abortion provider with less-than-traditional credentials, becomes Jane’s trusted source. His professionalism and technical proficiency set him apart from other providers, making him integral to Jane’s operations. Moira recounts, “Dr. Kaufman is… very respectful... technically nobody has a problem. He's really, really good at it” ([37:14]).

5. Challenges and Legal Pressures

Shift in Legal Landscape The decriminalization of abortion in New York in 1970 dramatically altered Jane’s clientele. Women who could afford travel now had safe, legal options, leading Jane to predominantly serve poor women of color. Moira observes, “Jane stays pretty white. And for the rest of its existence, its clientele is pretty black” ([51:43]).

Police Raid and Downfall On May 3, 1972, a police raid disrupts Jane’s operations, resulting in the arrest of four members. The timing coincides with Jody Howard’s temporary departure to a psych ward, exacerbating the group's vulnerabilities. “The arrest of Jane and the breakup of this abortion ring has been published, publicized all through Chicago” ([58:55]).

Legal Defense and Roe v. Wade A strategic legal defense orchestrated by movement lawyer Joanne Wolf effectively stalls the prosecution until the landmark Roe v. Wade decision on January 22, 1973, which struck down abortion bans in 46 states, nullifying the charges against Jane's members. Moira credits Wolf’s efforts: “They run out of time until January 22, 1973, which is when Roe v. Wade is decided” ([60:03]).

6. Legacy and Modern Reflections

Humanizing the Collective Both Sarah and Moira emphasize the human aspects of Jane, depicting members as flawed yet committed individuals. “Many of them were quite petty people… These were, like, profoundly normal people” ([62:30]).

Inspiration for Today’s Activism Moira draws parallels between Jane’s efforts and contemporary abortion funds, highlighting ongoing resistance against reproductive injustices. “Every story of oppression is also a story of resistance... It’s happening right now” ([63:56]).

Challenging Traditional Narratives Sarah critiques the traditional "great man" theory of history, advocating for stories of collective action and imperfect heroes. “These are stories of collective action and of groups of people who individually are imperfect... but something much bigger than themselves” ([66:03]).

Notable Quotes

• Sarah Marshall on Historic Challenges:

  “This is how abortion criminalization happens. Even now, it's that somebody you can't trust finds out and turns you in.” ([58:58])

• Moira Donegan on Collective Effort:

  “Jane is actually historically unique… This aspect of their practice is legitimately crazy and different.” ([48:26])

• Reflection on Modern Activism:

  “I feel so inspired by the work that abortion funds are doing right now.” ([63:56])

Conclusion

The episode provides an in-depth exploration of the Jane Collective, shedding light on a critical yet often overlooked chapter in American feminist history. Through Moira Donegan's insightful narratives and personal anecdotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the Collective's operations, challenges, and enduring legacy. The discussion not only honors the resilience and ingenuity of the Jane members but also connects past struggles with contemporary movements for reproductive justice.

Where to Find More:

• Moira Donegan’s Work:
  • Columnist at The Guardian.
  • Writes extensively on gender, politics, and women's history for publications like Book Forum.
  • Hosts the podcast In Bed with the Right, focusing on conservative perspectives on sex and gender.
  • Twitter: @MoiraDonegan

Acknowledgments Special thanks to Carolyn Kendrick for editing and producing the episode.

Note: This summary excludes advertisements, intros, outros, and non-content sections as per the podcast's content guidelines.