Friday, May 09, 2008

1901: Doc performs fatal back-alley abortion

On May 9, 1901, Mrs. G.H. Matteson, a homemaker, died from an illegal abortion in Chicago. Mrs. Matteson's husband was arrested, as was Dr. J.B. Butts, who was held by Coroner's Inquest on May 16.

Mrs. Matteson's abortion was typical of pre-legalization abortions in that it was performed by a physician.

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