Where did women turn in an era when abortion was illegal? Many were subjected to unsafe and oftentimes lethal back-alley abortions. Many others, however, found “Jane,” a feminist underground abortion provider service and the best-kept secret in Chicago. UNCG VOX (in association with the UNCG Women and Gender Studies Program and Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Inc.) presents Paula Kamen’s documentary play Jane: Abortion and the Underground October 16^th and 17^th in the Elliott University Center Auditorium on the UNC Greensboro Campus.

Civil Rights activist Heather Booth (Hannah Sims) finds herself overwhelmed by pleas for help from men and women seeking illegal abortions in the turbulent 1960s. In an effort to organize a safe referral service, she makes appeals to SDS, Voters for Change and other various progressive groups at the University of Chicago. Through these organizations she meets the women that become the core group of the “Jane” service: fiercely determined Jody (Shelby Winter), compassionate Ruth (Sophie Eisdorfer), and motherly Rose (Whitney McDavid). Together with the other “Jane” members, the service refers countless women to Dr. C. (Greg Knehans).  Gradually, the women take full control of the service and begin to perform the abortions themselves. As the group evolves, some members move on and are replaced by the fearless Judith (Franny Civitano) and militant Micki (Jessamyn Stanley) as well as a cadre of dedicated volunteers (Jesse Russo, Jarmiria Durant, Porsha Washington, Laura Owens and Brandy Grabow). “Jane” was disbanded in 1973 after the landmark Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade.

        Jane: Abortion and the Underground charts the tumultuous and surprising history of the “Jane” service. Over 11,000 women from all walks of life safely used the service. Many were even referred by clergy such as Rev. Parsons (Greg Knehans). Rounding out the cast are Morgan Myers (Lory), Michael Matyi (Nick / Medical Supplier), Thomas O’Connell (Steve / Radical Man / Policeman), Kayla Carr (Crystal / Patient), Meredith Swain (Sunny / Caller / Patient), and Claire Macomson (Caller / Nurse).

          Sarah McCall and Anne Keyworth serve as the primary producers of this project Christine Woodworth, Assistant Professor of theatre history in the UNCG Department of Theatre, directs Jane: Abortion and the Underground.

          Jane: Abortion and the Underground plays October 16^th at 8:00 p.m. and October 17^th at 2:00 and 8:00 p.m. in the Elliott University Center Auditorium on the UNCG campus.  Post-show discussions, moderated by UNCG Women’s and Gender Studies faculty will follow each performance. Please note: Jane: Abortion and the Underground contains adult situations. There are no tickets for this event, however a donation of $5.00 is suggested.  All proceeds benefit The Fund for Choice in the Triad with Planned Parenthood Health Systems, Inc. For More Information Contact: UNCGJane@gmail.com or visit: http://sites.google.com/site/uncgjane/Home