Before abortion was legalized by the US Supreme Court in 1973 (Roe v Wade), a Chicago-based group of over 100 women–known as Jane–provided counseling and illegal abortions for 11,000 women (1969-1973). Rev. & Dr. Patricia Novick, age 75, was one of the original Janes. Patricia and founder Heather Booth are among those featured in the illuminating film The Janes. In her conversation with Women Over 70, Patricia dispels the public’s misconceptions about the Janes– who they were and who they served. Patricia situates the single issue of abortion rights in the larger context of social issues concerning justice, choice, privacy, autonomy, and personal freedom. Now, 50 years later, the Janes have reunited, and Patricia shares new information and ideas about ways to contribute to the groundswell of activism. As older women, Patricia believes it is our job to be role models for younger generations of activists.
Living in a democratic, pluralistic society means that humans have the right to make their own decisions about their bodies and their lives. – Dr. Rev. Patricia Novick
Connect:
https://www.womenover70.com P. Novick episode #025; Heather Booth episode #039
The Janes (the film). On HBO and streaming on HBOMax.
Planned Parenthood Action Fund (media.office@ppfa.org)
Chicago Abortion Fund (chicagoabortionfund.org)
