May 11, 1915: Home Abortion Leaves 8 Children Motherless

Homemaker May Johnson, age 36, of Melrose Street in Chicago died on May 11, 1915 from a self-induced abortion "after advice from quack."

According to public records, May (also spelled Mae) and her husband, Frank, had 8 children who ranged in age from 2 to 18. According to the 1910 Federal census, Frank was a laborer who did odd jobs. 

Sources:

• "Just Five Month's Abortion Toll," Chicago Daily Tribune, May 29, 1915
• Cook County death index
• Find-a-Grave