We’ve been working on the podcast for over a year now and we’ve had the opportunity to interview some inspirational folks. A few months ago we got an email from Heather Booth’s son, asking if we wanted to talk to his mom. After I picked my jaw up off the floor, we immediately responded with an enthusiastic “Yes!”
To say that Heather is an inspiration would be an understatement. In the late 1960s and early 1970s, Heath was one of the founding members of the Janes, a group helping women seek abortion care before Roe v Wade in Chicago. While they were functioning they cared for more than 11,000 women. They served as an abortion counseling service, that connected patients with doctors or providers who could perform safe procedures. Eventually, the members of Jane learned to perform abortions themselves. In Chicago during this time, if you were pregnant and didn't want to be, you could “Call Jane” for help. The women who were part of the Jane collective were brave, innovative, and not afraid to stand up against unjust laws. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the Janes, there are a couple of ways you can learn more about this group. This book by Laura Kaplan is a historian’s account of the Janes. You can watch the documentary The Janes on HBO. If you are looking for a fictionalized account, check out the movie Call Jane - Sigourney Weaver plays Heather.
Jonas and I have been talking a lot about what makes certain people more brave and willing to push the boundaries of the law, or even break laws that are unjust. People like Heather inspire me to organize and continue to do the work even when it’s challenging or scary. Heather also reflects on the ongoing attacks on our communities by ICE. Our thoughts are with those living and fighting for basic human rights in Minneapolis. We mourn the tragic loss of life of protestors on the streets and detainees in ICE facilities. Heather talks about how we can support our communities in tumultuous times and use our voices to collectively push back.
Heather recommended this book “Black Maverick” about Dr. TRM Morgan’s work to fight for civil rights.
Who would play you in a movie? Were Jonas and Meryl separated at birth?
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