Jane: Abortion Counseling Service of the Chicago Women's Liberation Union
In the 1960's, women didn't have much choice about their own bodies. The birth control pill had just been introduced, but it was largely unavailable to the general public, especially the single woman population. Single motherhood was considered taboo, and it wasn't until 1972 that the Supreme Court ruled contraceptives were guaranteed to single people. What choice did a woman with an unwanted pregnancy have? In Chicago in 1969, there was Jane: an underground abortion service that provided safe, reliable, anonymous abortions - over 11,000 were performed in the four year period Jane was in existence. Over 5,000 women died each year from botched abortions. With Jane's services, not a single death occurred. Compared to the back alley, coat hanger, dangerous abortions that was the only option for many women, Jane was a healthy, welcome alternative.
"It wasn't that we were for abortion. We were for women having the right (to) make this most personal decision." - Heather Booth, founder of Jane
If you'd like to protect your rights as a woman, I suggest clicking here to find out which candidates want to take away your right to choose. Be sure you are registered to vote and get out there and do it!