1929: Midwife abortion proves fatal for Chicago woman

Anna Fazio, age 20, underwent an illegal abortion performed about February 2, 1929, at the Chicago home of midwife Marie Zwienczak. Anna died on February 13.

Zwienczak was arrested March 1, as recommended by the coroner. Stephanie Paczkiewicz was booked on February 23 as an accessory, but was not mentioned in the verdict. Zwienczak was indictedfor homicide by a grand jury. She was tried, and was sentenced on June 20 to 14 years at Joliet Penitentiary. She appealed, but her sentence was affirmed by the Supreme Court.



For more on pre-legalization abortion, see The Bad Old Days of Abortion

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