Trial of Madame Restell, Alias Ann Lohman for Abortion and Causing the Death of Mrs. Purdy. [New York]: For sale at the Book Stand in Wall St., 1841.
Ann Trow Lohman, a.k.a. Madame Restell, was one of the most visible and successful of this new class of entrepreneurs, the abortion provider. Despite public outcry and several indictments for manslaughter, operating an illegal adoption agency, and performing abortions, Restell operated profitable mail order and walk-in enterprises from the 1840s through the 1870s and employed agents in several cities. By the time of her death in 1878, Restell was estimated to be worth upwards of $500,000 (over $11 million today).
This pamphlet contains a transcription from a trial accusing Restell of contributing to the death of Mrs. Purdy, who died of consumption over a year after she had sought an abortion from Restell. The conviction for inducing abortion by instrument was subsequently overturned on a technicality.
![Trial of Madame Restell, Alias Ann Lohman for Abortion and Causing the Death of Mrs. Purdy. [New York]: For sale at the Book Stand in Wall St., 1841.](images/section4/3-2-17 am1841rest-77175-o-t.jpg)