Saturday, July 02, 2016

Midwife Takes Poison After Abortion Death, 1900

On July 2, 1900, Sarah Bonda, age 20, died at her home as a result of a criminal abortion performed on her there that day. On July 6, police arrested Mrs. Martha Heisig, a midwife, in connection with the death. She was to be held without bail pending trial.

During transport from the Englewood police station to the county jail, Heisig asked if she could be brought home to say goodbye to her family. The officer extended this kindness, only to have Heisig commit suicide by grabbing and drinking down a vial of carbolic acid in the presence of her loved ones. She fell to the floor and died immediately.

I have been unable to find any evidence that any attention was paid to Sarah's death by the authorities or the press after Heisig's death.




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