As detailed in the Author’s Note, this story is based on an actual abortion clinic in downtown Chicago in the 1930s and early 1940s. Does this surprise you? How did the story align with your understanding of abortion and abortion access in this era? How have attitudes to abortion changed?
- I was not surprised at the cross-cultural need, the searching for places to go, and the various reasons the women had. What surprised me were the safe and sanitary conditions possible at that time.
- The existence of a real clinic in downtown Chicago makes the issue feel less hypothetical and more interwoven into ordinary life than people realize.
- Attitudes are mostly connected to politics and women’s rights. In the 30s and 40s, it was based on personal morality, religion, and culture.
I didn’t surprise me, although such clinics were really available only to those with the means to avail themselves of them. Even the very poor women who could not pay in cash were leaving watches, other jewelry, etc. as collateral until they could pay in full. By 1939, many had no such items left to serve as collateral and were constrained to cheaper, far more dangerous solutions.
Sadly, the U.S. has regressed horribly in recent years with any states removing access to safe, affordable health care for women. And it is beyond debate that reproductive care IS health care. The attitudes depicted in the book are sadly very much like those held by many people in this country today as a number of states have passed and are passing restrictive laws setting women’s rights back decades and causing them harm, and even death. The stories have been in the news and don’t need to be repeated here.
1 Like
I was surprised that there were abortion clinics in the 1930s. I didn’t realize that they existed then. I figured there would be no way that the opinions on abortions then would allow women to have legal abortions.
I think because there were always homes for unwed mothers it seemed like that was the only choice women had if they were able to stay home. So I was also very surprised that there were abortion clinics in the 1930’s. In fact I didn’t think they existed prior to the 1970’s. I have a friend who had an abortion in the mid-sixties and almost bled to death. I was pleased that such care was taken to avoid negative outcomes for the women who came to the clinic. I was disappointed that the overseers were part of a racketeering ring. I appreciated the nurses who risked their personal lives to care for the women.
I wasn’t surprised, but I realized that today, people in lower economic classes, and lower socio-economic areas are neglected to women’s rights. Also as laws have recently changed, rules regarding abortion have made women have to look for other choices and locations.
I find that knowing it was based on a real abortion clinic makes it even more important to read the story. I really had no idea that there were such safe and supportive abortion clinics at that time. I have not changed my attitude toward abortion but I thought it was very realistic to show Mimi’s reluctance to accept the idea at first.
I, too, didn’t know about these clinics, yet I suspect now that there were several around the country. LA/Hollywood comes to mind as movie studios might have ensured clinics existed for their actresses or other women for whom a pregnancy would be scandalous. It makes sense that some clinics would be supported by the “Mob” for several reasons. One, to handle their mistresses and secondly, to make money. The clinic depicted in this story was clean, staffed, and had follow-up services. Nonetheless, Mimi was very brave.
I had heard about these clinics only recently; I never thought they were around that early.
As for today, it is a mess. Each state is setting their own regulations which has caused confusion and harsh penalties for those receiving or providing medicial services.
I wasn’t aware of these abortion clinics in the 1930s and was impressed with the level of professionalism employed. I’m saddened and horrified about the current conservative movement and attitudes against abortion and believe so many people rely on religious beliefs and are not accepting of science. I’m glad and relieved I’m not a young woman growing up in today’s society.
It’s extremely upsetting and maddening that so many men are in control of decisions affecting women’s bodies and lives. It’s equally shameful how many women are okay with this.
I was not aware that such clinics existed in the 30s and early 40s. This historical perspective adds so much to the story. Understanding our history helps to shape our future. Following this history reveals the cyclical nature of women’s health care. The gains that were made then lost. Tragic….we must not lose sight of this and continue to fight for these rights!
In my lifetime I’ve seen women’s rights won and now lost. This is still our fight.