72. Women’s Rights, Florida, and…Playboy?: The Story of Shirley Wheeler

Why is it always Florida? Today we discuss the case of Shirley Wheeler, the the first woman in Florida ever prosecuted and convicted under an abortion law from the early 19th century. Shirley had an unwanted pregnancy and was encouraged by her doctor to get an abortion for medical reasons. The only problem? Abortions for any reason were illegal in Florida. Shirley found an abortionist and had the procedure. Shirley was hospitalized after she began hemorrhaging during a miscarriage. In the hospital they discovered a catheter that had been inserted to cut off supplies to the fetus. Shirley admitted to visiting an abortionist when she was 3 ½ months pregnant. She was turned into the police and arrested for having the procedure. She believes one of the reasons she was prosecuted by authorities, along with her lifestyle and economic standing, was that she refused to cooperate and name her abortionist, stating it was none of their business. Listen now to hear more about her legal battle including an unlikely partnership with Playboy!