Hello, this is Jane.

Abortion Diary Entry 145: Judith Arcana, 73

Judith Arcana shares her experiences as a Jane in The Abortion Counseling Service of the Chicago Women’s Liberation Union (usually known as JANE*), the underground abortion service in Chicago.  From 1968-1973, JANE provided over 11,000 people safe and affordable abortions, and abortion counseling. 

In August 2014, I posted the recording of my first interview with Judith.  In this second interview, she talks about who performed abortions for Jane, how she learned to perform abortions, and how women were counseled by the service.  She offers us a history lesson and her wisdom, both of which we must learn from in these uncertain times.

Judith Arcana is a writer – and a Jane, a member of the feminist underground service. She worked in the service for two years, and then taught classes on women’s health and sexuality for the Women’s Liberation School.   Judith writes books, poems, stories, and essays, and hosts Poetry and Everything on KBOO community radio in Oregon on the fourth Monday of every month at 10:00 pm.  She published a fiction zine rooted in abortion service history, Keesha and Joanie and JANE. Visit Judith’s website.

(Published on January 24, 2017 | Listener: Melissa Madera | Location: Portland, OR)

Part I

*For more information about JANE read Judith’s books, poems, and essays, and Laura Kaplan’s book, The Story of Jane.