January 23, 1929: A Lay Abortionist in Chicago

As was the case nationwide before legalization, the majority of Chicago's illegal abortionists were midwives or physicians, though there were the occasional lay abortionists such as Katherine Bajda, identified as a homemaker in the Homicide in Chicago Interactive Database. Despite not being a medical professional, Bajda benefited from Chicago's catch-and-release system of dealing with deadly abortionists.

On January 23, 1929, 22-year-old Edna Vargo died in Chicago from an abortion performed that day, Bajda was held by the Coroner on February 14. On March 15, she was indicted for felony murder in Edna's death. Three days later, while free to ply her trade, Bajda got caught with 25-year-old abortion patient Violet Diancalana dead in her home.

According to genealogical records, Edna was born in Hastetter, PA, the daughter Polish immigrants Fred and Victoria Palarz Komperda and was one of 11 children.

Source:

• Homicide in Chicago Interactive Database
• "Woman Accused in Girl's Death Tries Suicide," Chicago Daily Tribune, February 18, 1929