The Story of Jane is the history of the Chicago Abortion Counseling Service, often known as the “Jane Collective” after the pseudonym its member used to protect themselves and the women they helped. Laura Kaplan was herself a member of the group, and she offers a moving and detailed account of their history and activism. I loved this book and will be recommending it to my friends.

Given the current struggle for reproductive freedom in the US, this story is both timely and useful. I teach in a Gender Studies program, and many of my students have never heard of the Janes and their work. Kaplan’s book is an important reminder of the activists who came before us and will hopefully inspire the activists to come.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.

The Story of Jane; The Legendary Underground Feminist Abortion Service by Laura Kaplan is an incredible true history of the women who got shit done when it was needed. Unfortunately these are networks and communities we still need to utilize in the United States. May we never forget!

Throughly enjoyed this book. It was a timely and relevant book that everyone should read. Women's abortion rights are not new, and this book shows women will find a means even if abortion is not legal. It also shows unwanted pregnancies come in all shapes and sizes. It is not confined to Black, poor women, it also affects wealthy , educated white women.

Powerful story by one of the original Janes. Powerful and true, Laura Kaplan gives us the women of the Feminist Abortion Service in Chicago. A little known story that has become so relevant since the overturn of Roe v. Wade. We are unfortunately reliving history. A must read.

Thank you Netgalley for letting me read and review this book. The Story of Jane is a non-fiction book about an underground group of women that provided low-cost abortion services in Chicago. It is empowering, heartbreaking, and impactful. This is a book everyone should read for sure. You will probably cry when you read this book.

A part of history I didn't know about and should have known about. This story of Jane (the collective) written by a member of Jane revealed the incredible work that can be accomplished when women take control of their own bodies/lives/futures. VERY IMPORTANT AND TIMELY AF. 4 stars

I did unfortunately not have enough time to finish this one but from what i read it was very interesting

I’m a bit confused as this was only the new introduction for the book and not the entire book. Therefore I don’t feel comfortable writing a review as I haven’t actually read the book.

"Whenever individuals gain access to the tools and skills to affect the conditions of their own lives, they define empowerment."

As the name suggests, Jane is a secret group that helped women get abortions when it was illegal. In the early sixties, this underground group of women (mostly) provided abortion services to women amd girls who chose to.
The problems involved in doing this need no elaboration. It was not only illegal but highly dangerous to perform abortions without medical doctor. It could be life-threatening or have severe consequences for the women. They had a shortage of money, safety and staff. What they had in plenty was phone calls from pregnant women.
This book talks about abortion from the point of view of women. The women and young ladies who approached Jane were people first and mothers next. Jane was run by women who had their own children. They understood that motherhood is a choice. They counseled the women after surgery so that they don't feel guilty or depressed.
The group grew by leaps and bounds. Women from all sections of the society would come to Jane. Most of them joined the group because they felt other women should be empowered like they are. They understood how important it is for women to be in control of their own bodies.
In this book, the members of Jane talk about all the issues they faced and how they balanced it all along with their own careers and families. They tell us in detail about every aspect of abortion including the moral debate.
Reading about Jane is extremely important for the future of women. The book is relevant today as abortion is still seen as murder and women who abort are seen as baby-killers. The discussions around abortion today are narrow and talk not more than two points. This book covers many lacunae as it has been told by wem who have seen the problem firsthand.
A woman's body is not a matter of debate. When we ban abortion, we aren't saving children. We are leaving women with no option than abortions outside the hospital which could be fatal. Groups like Jane emerge out of strong feminine power and empathy along with the determination to make the world a better place for our sisters and daughters.
I received a review copy on Netgalley and I am posting my review voluntarily.

This ARC was only the introduction to the older edition. This is such an important issue I was really looking forward to reading it.

Very disappointed. This isn't the full book. It's just a short introduction. Too bad because I was very interested in reading this book.

I feel I cannot provide an accurate review of this book as I was only provided the newly updated introduction — not the full book.

Just the introduction? How am I supposed to rate this? I mean, the introduction was good, but does not give me enough info to give an honest review.

A very important account which remains relevant today. Some of this is tough to read but the author does not shy away from telling the whole story.

DNF. Although I am pro-choice and am inspired by the work Jane has done for women, the content made me too squeamish so I could not read it. Thank you to the publisher for providing this ARC.

A very well written, and engaging introduction to a classic book. This is a timely piece, that readers will resonate with, and will surely draw readers into the full story.

The Story of Jane by Laura Kaplan recounts the service begun in the 70s to provide access to abortion to women who could not do so legally. You know, before Roe. The book was originally published in 1995, and in 2022 a new introduction has been added for this "vintage edition". How sad that this edition comes at a time when Roe has been overturned in the US, and women again look to each other to lead a radical mobilization against the law of the land.
In the time since Jane originally existed, many other countries have allowed abortion, yet the US is turning backwards. The Story of Jane is here to remind us that some rules must be broken.
An extensive, updated list of links to abortion services and other pro-choice programs is listed in the forward.
This book is critical reading for every activist, every woman. For anyone who cares to see how a loosely knit group of normal people can enact change.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of this new edition of The Story of Jane. I hope it reaches many in the coming weeks and years.
I just reviewed The Story of Jane by Laura Kaplan. #TheStoryofJane #NetGalley

It's nice to see The Story of Jane being put out to the world again with a new introduction that helps set the tone for readers who are too young to remember "those days." It's important to know how women took control when they realized that it was what needed to be done.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

A very nice updated introduction to a classic book that has and will continue to remain relevant and important to readers.