The meaning of Tyler, the Creator’s new song “Hey Jane”

When Tyler, the Creator released his song "Hey Jane," fans were quick to ask: Who is Jane? If you’ve heard Tyler’s track off his latest album Chromakopia and found yourself wondering about the inspiration behind “Hey Jane,” you’re not alone. Let’s dive into the story of “Hey Jane” and explore why it resonates with both Tyler’s fans and those seeking compassionate, accessible health care.

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What is the song “Hey Jane” about?

On “Hey Jane” Tyler, the Creator tells the story of an unplanned pregnancy. The song is structured by showing the two different perspectives of Tyler and Jane, the person who is pregnant, as they talk through what to do. Emotions (“still in shock”), the reality of pregnancy (“you gotta deal with all the mental and physical change”), uncertainty (“That is not a good foundation to have kids with / Or maybe it is”) and, ultimately reproductive freedom (“It’s your choice at the end of the day / Just know I’ll support either way, no pressure”) are all brought up.

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Who is Jane in Tyler, the Creator’s song?

In Tyler, the Creator's song “Hey Jane,” the person who is pregnant is named Jane. "Jane Doe" is a term often used to represent an anonymous or generic individual, and it’s possible that Tyler uses this pseudonym in the song to protect her identity while highlighting the complex emotions surrounding an unplanned pregnancy.

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What is Hey Jane?

Hey Jane is a reproductive and sexual virtual clinic that offers medication abortion care from the comfort and convenience of your home. Abortion pills and everything else you need are mailed discreetly to your door in unmarked packaging. You also have on-demand access to our clinical team via a secure app on your phone.

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In addition to medication abortion, Hey Jane provides a range of reproductive and sexual services, including birth control, emergency contraception, and care for infections like UTIs, BV, yeast infections, and herpes.

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Hey Jane’s name was inspired by the Jane Collective, an underground organization that offered abortion care and support to pregnant people before Roe v. Wade was passed by the Supreme Court in 1973. Jane's services were revolutionary not just for their illegality, but for their approach to reproductive and sexual health care. The collective treated their patients with respect and care, providing a stark contrast to the impersonal and often judgmental medical establishment of the time. As one of their members once put it, "Their reason for having an abortion was their reason. I was not there to pass judgment.”⁠ 

What is the meaning of “Hey Jane”?

While we can’t speak for Tyler and whether he was intentionally referencing the virtual abortion clinic Hey Jane in his lyrics, there are some important messages that one can glean from the track. 

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Many people will face an unplanned pregnancy at some point in their life—after all, nearly 42% of all pregnancies in the US are unintended. Navigating those feelings while supporting a partner can be complex, but ultimately providing support and empowering the pregnant person to make the decision that’s best for them is key.

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Abortion is deeply personal, and accessing care can be difficult due to various barriers. People should feel empowered to make informed choices about their reproductive health without judgment or stigma. Songs like “Hey Jane” are an important step in bringing these very common experiences into everyday discussions, which can help people feel comfortable sharing their own experiences or asking for support.

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How the song “Hey Jane” helps raise awareness

For many, Tyler, the Creator's song “Hey Jane” serves as a reminder that we’re all part of a shared human experience, especially considering that 1 in 4 people with uteruses will have an abortion in their lifetime. This cultural crossover can help reduce the stigma around unintended pregnancy, encourage reflection on the choices individuals should have the right to, and raise awareness of Hey Jane’s mission to make abortion care accessible to all.

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At Hey Jane, we believe everyone deserves the chance to make informed health care decisions. By connecting with people through popular culture, like Tyler’s song, we can reach individuals who might not otherwise know about safe telehealth abortion options.

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How can I support abortion access?

Right now, the most important thing you can do in the US is vote for reproductive freedom on this year’s ballot. Election Day is November 5, 2024 and every vote counts. Explore our resources here for our voter guide (including details on abortion-related props) and how to encourage your community to vote.

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Want to learn more about abortion access and how you can be a resource to your community? Join the Un-Whisper Network to receive our monthly action toolkit which includes social media posts, sticker templates, downloadable posters, facts and stats you can actually use, and more.

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If you’re looking to support individuals seeking abortion care, you can donate to our abortion fund partners directly on their websites. Abortion funds offer financial support to cover the cost of treatment, transport, lodging, and even childcare for people who cannot afford it.