Doris Alexander, Criminal Abortion Death

Doris Alexander

Died after abortion by John Dillinger's doctor

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Some time in 1938, 30-year-old Mrs. Doris Alexander died from an illegal abortion.

Dr. Clinton E. May, who had also crossed paths with the law when he harbored John Dillinger, was booked for murder in Doris' death.

A nurse-assistant was sought by the police, and a man named Frances Zofell, age 48, was held as an accessory.

Mrs. Alexander's abortion was typical of pre-legalization abortions in that it was performed by a physician.

Keep in mind that things that things we take for granted, like antibiotics and blood banks, were still in the future. For more about abortion in this era, see Abortion in the 1930s.

For more on pre-legalization abortion, see The Bad Old Days of Abortion

Source: "Crime Doctor Held in Death" The Oklahoman, April 21, 1938