December 14, 1916: Doctor Held in Chicago Abortion Death

On December 14, 1916, 19-year-old clerical worker Eleanor Dillon died at Chicago's Columbus Hospital from septic peritonitis caused by a criminal abortion.  

Eleanor had named Dr. Maurice R. Perlstein of Milwaukee Avenue as her abortionist in a deathbed statement. Abe Krucherski of North Kedzie Avenue and Michael Schackman of South Sawyer Avenue were held to the Grand Jury. Perlstein was charged with murder. 

Sources: 

• "Men Held for Girl's Death,"  Chicago Tribune, December 16, 1916
• "Doctor Held for Murder," Chicago Tribune, May 29, 1917)