Angela is a manager at her aunt's antique shop in Toronto who discovers a misdelivered, decades-old letter. Because she is also adopted, she feels a profound empathy for the letter's sender and intended recipient. She is currently enduring the emotional and physical toll of fertility treatments with her wife, hoping to start a family of their own.

Evelyn Taylor and Margaret (Maggie) Roberts are young women admitted to St. Agnes's Home for Unwed Mothers in the 1960s. Forced to survive the cruel, isolating conditions of the home together, they form a close bond as roommates. Their shared experiences of trauma and institutional abuse profoundly shape their futures, instilling a fierce dedication to fighting for women's reproductive autonomy and safe healthcare access.

Nancy is a young woman living in Toronto who becomes increasingly involved in the fight for reproductive rights after witnessing a botched underground procedure. Her discovery that she was adopted adds layers of tension to her family life. She eventually becomes a dedicated volunteer for the Jane Network, carefully balancing her domestic life with the risks of illegal activism.

Sister Teresa is the warden of St. Agnes's Home for Unwed Mothers. Cold and deeply judgmental, she views the pregnant residents as sinners who must be punished. She operates the home like a prison, monitoring mail and strictly separating mothers from their babies without an ounce of compassion.

A diminutive, meek nun working at St. Agnes's Home for Unwed Mothers. Unlike the warden, she shows small kindnesses to the residents, though she lacks the authority or courage to openly defy the institution's cruel practices. She represents a gentler, though largely passive, presence in a harsh environment.

Frances is Nancy's adoptive mother. Elegant and concerned with outward propriety, she provides a loving but secretive home for her daughter. She struggles heavily with the burden of hiding the truth about Nancy's adoption, ultimately penning a postmortem letter to confess the hidden history of her daughter's origins.

Angela's wife and a university professor. She provides a warm, grounded presence in their home and supports Angela through the physical and emotional stress of their fertility treatments.

Nancy's cousin, who discovers she is pregnant and fears her volatile boyfriend's reaction. She seeks out a dangerous, underground abortion, and the resulting medical emergency profoundly impacts Nancy's awareness of reproductive issues.

Nancy's boyfriend and eventual husband. He is a supportive partner who remains largely in the dark about Nancy's past, including her adoption and her underground volunteer work with the Jane Network.

A dedicated nurse who works at the medical practice. Passionate about women's reproductive health, she advocates for joining the Jane Network to help more patients find safe care.

A close friend from medical school who enters into a marriage of convenience. As a gay man, this arrangement provides him and his spouse with mutual safety and independence from societal judgment.

Maggie's brother. Initially kept in the dark about the true nature of St. Agnes's Home, he becomes a fierce protector when he learns of the institutional abuse, helping his sister forge a new path.

Jack's wife, who assists him in providing immediate care and shelter when family trauma unexpectedly arrives at their doorstep.

Nancy and Michael's perceptive daughter. She encourages her mother to open up about her hidden past and advocates for mending strained family relationships.

Nancy's college boyfriend. Their relationship is casual, and he remains unaware of the pregnancy that leads Nancy to seek out underground medical services.

Based on a real historical figure, Dr. Morgentaler is a prominent advocate for abortion access in Canada. He trains other medical professionals to provide safe, underground healthcare to women in need.

The priest associated with St. Agnes's Home for Unwed Mothers. He is complicit in the institution's financial exploitation, discussing the fees charged to adoptive families with the warden.

An elderly patient living at St. Sebastian’s Home for the Aged, a facility located in the former St. Agnes's building. He shares a quiet, friendly rapport with his doctor.

A resourceful volunteer with the Jane Network who provides crucial outside support, securing legal assistance when members of the network are detained by the police.

An undercover police officer who seeks out the Jane Network for her own personal healthcare needs, demonstrating that the necessity of such services crosses all professional lines.

One of the few women attending medical school alongside her peers. Her need to secure an illegal abortion introduces the concept of underground reproductive healthcare to her roommate.

A passionate political activist participating in the "Abortion Caravan." She organizes direct action protests and encourages others to escalate their demands for legal reproductive rights.