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'AKA Jane Roe': Release date, plot, cast and all you need to know about FX's documentary on Roe vs Wade

A new FX documentary will feature the story of the Jane Roe in the case, whom we now know as Norma McCorvey and will unravel the mysteries closely guarded by McCorvey throughout her life

BY NEETHA K

PUBLISHED MAY 19, 2020

The 1973 Roe vs Wade case was a landmark decision made by the Supreme Court that struck down a Texas statute banning abortion effectively legalizing the procedure across the United States. The court held that a woman’s right to an abortion was implicit in the right to privacy protected by the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. Prior to Roe v. Wade, abortion had been illegal throughout much of the country since the late 19th century. A new FX documentary will feature the story of the Jane Roe in the case, whom we now know as Norma McCorvey and will unravel the mysteries closely guarded by McCorvey throughout her life. Read on to know more details about the feature.

Release date

'AKA Jane Roe' will premiere on Friday, May 22, at 9 pm ET/PT on FX and will be available the following day on FX on Hulu.

Plot

The film follows the true story of McCorvey in the landmark ruling on abortion rights. The docu will feature her final series of interviews prior to her death and reveals the unvarnished truth behind her journey from pro-choice to pro-life and beyond – in what she calls her "deathbed confessions". Also featured are friends of McCorvey’s and key figures from both sides of the abortion fight. Considered too divisive and unpredictable by many in the pro-choice movement, McCorvey stunned the world in 1995 when she switched sides to crusade against her own case, as an anti-abortion firebrand. Norma McCorvey died of heart failure on February 18, 2017, at the age of 69.

Director

Nick Sweeney

Nick Sweeney is an Australian producer and director who has brought important social issues to considerable worldwide audiences. is Channel 4 series 'Born in the Wrong Body' provided an emotional glimpse into the lives of transgender children aged 5 - 18. His debut TV documentary, 'Secrets of the Living Dolls' explored the never before seen female masking subculture, while his 2017 film 'The Sex Robots are Coming, focused on the ethical implications of robotic lovers.'

'AKA Jane Roe' is Sweeney's first feature documentary. He filmed with McCorvey in the final year of her life, as she revealed for the first time the unexpected truth behind her shocking journey.