On January 7, 1901, Mrs.
Julia K. Pettinger died in her home from an abortion performed there that day. Dr. Maggie Becker was arrested April 24, based on a coroner's verdict that same day. Becker was held to grand jury, tried, convicted, and sentenced to 14 years in Joilet Penitentiary.
Julia's abortion was typical of the back-alley abortion in that it was performed by a
physician.

For more on pre-legalization abortion, see
The Bad Old Days of AbortionTo email this post to a friend, use the icon below.
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