Two Doctors' Fatal Handiwork

On March 9, 1914, 34-year-old homemaker Elizabeth O'Donnell died in the Chicago office of Dr. Alvin C. Hirster, who had performed an abortion on there there that day. Hirster was held without bail by the Coroner, and was indicted on March 15, but the case never went to trial.

On March 9, 1921, Iva Triplett died from septic complications of an abortion Dr. C.W. Milliken had perpetrated on March 1. Iva left behind a widower and children. The May 4, 1921 Elyria, Ohio Chronicle Telegram described Milliken as a "prominent democratic politician." The year before Iva's death, Milliken had performed an abortion on Francis Karies, who died in Chicago. The March 21, 1921 Lima (Ohio) News notes that Milliken was also charged with performing a fatal abortion on Florence Cobb. He was held on $10,000 bail in each case, Iva's and Florence's.