A Window Into 1923

by Donna Swagerty Shreve

The year was 1923 and Pearl Aldrich Swagerty had given birth to five children. Her latest child had been born with various serious aliments and only lived nine months. Pearl was grieving and now at the doctor’s office. She was pregnant once again. The doctor was quite concerned because he felt she was in no shape to give birth so soon without grave harm to her health. He recommended a procedure to be done right there in his office. Pearl agreed and she was given an abortion without any fanfare. 

She then went to stay with her mother for a week to recover while her younger sister, Lucy, went to Pearl’s home to take care of Pearl’s four remaining children. It was during this recovery period that her mother, Ida Palmer Aldrich, came into her bedroom to have a serious talk. Ida told Pearl that she had done her wifely duty and given birth five times. It was time to say no to Elmer, her husband, to any more sexual relations. Ida gave various reasons about why her idea was a good one and Pearl should strongly consider an easy solution to her health problems. 

Pearl had had several difficult births with her third being the most difficult. Floyd Elmer Swagerty was born after a very difficult labor and birth.  After  the huge baby arrived at 12 pounds, the assisting relative had fainted during the final stages of the birth. The doctor had to have Elmer come in and help him with the final stage. The experience convinced Elmer to have Pearl have any future births in a hospital instead of at home.

After Ida had given her speech, Pearl replied with, “It is not always Elmer’s fault.” Ida is said to have thrown up her hands and explain she would never understand her daughter. It is a story that gives insight to both Pearl and Ida. It always endeared Pearl to me.

Pearl had a choice in 1923 because her health was in danger and her doctor wanted what was best for her health. Pearl went on to give birth to her last child a few years later. Now, 99 years later, Pearl could not have had such a procedure to protect her health in certain states.

382 words

6/24/2022

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