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Speaker Profile

Judith Arcana

Writer, member of Chicago's pre-Roe underground abortion service

Judith Arcana

Virtual Appearance

Judith Arcana writes stories, poems, essays and books. She's a Jane, a member of Chicago's pre-Roe underground abortion service, and her writing includes work rooted in that experience: the fiction collection Hello. This Is Jane; the poetry collection What if your mother is; and the zine Keesha and Joanie and JANE.

Scheduled Appearances

Equity

The New Abortion Underground

Crosscut Festival 2023
Fri May 5, 2023 | 9:00am

After the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, abortion access has become increasingly restricted in many states — harkening back to the pre-Roe era, when groups like "the Janes" created an underground network to provide access. We sit down with a former Jane and with a provider working today to consider the future of the fight for abortion access.

WATCH SESSION

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Judith Arcana
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Featuring: Megan Burbank, Judith Arcana, Kelsea McLain

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About the Festival

The Crosscut Ideas Festival is a celebration of big ideas and a gathering for bold thinkers. Newsmakers, changemakers and innovators come together to take a fresh look at the biggest issues of our time. Over one week, the Crosscut Ideas Festival hosts fireside conversations and panels, meetups, art installations, workshops, and interactive experiences.

headliners gala

Celebrate the best of PNW community and culture while supporting public media. Enjoy a night of entertainment with a culinary tour of the region curated by premier chefs and restaurateurs, Hear from The Daily host Michael Barbaro, and bid on a unique items in a PBS and Northwest-themed auction.