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In
this 700k audio clip former Jane volunteers (pictured above) tell
what motivated them to begin doing the abortions themselves. The
Service had a complex and often difficult relationship with an
abortionist named "Mike". Although no one questioned
his skill as an abortionist, he was not actually a medical doctor.
Eventually "Mike" began training Jane volunteers to
do the procedure. After "Mike" departed, Jane became
an all woman service.
The
Abortion Counseling Service began as an underground referral group.
Eventually Jane members decided to perform the abortions themselves.
Former
Jane members estimate that they performed more than 11,000 illegal
abortions. Working under difficult clandestine conditions, Jane
became legendary on the streets of Chicago for the quality of
its care and the dedication of its members.
Audio and individual pictures are from Jane:
An Abortion Service, a film by Kate Kirtz and Nell Lundy(1996).
Background photo by Elaine Wessel
Note: This
audio is also available through our JaneSpecial Feature
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