184 Patricia Novick: Championing Reproductive Freedom in the post-Roe Era

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:

pnovick@aliveltd.org

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)