Original Photo Archive of Sherri Chessen's Pivotal Role in Legalizing Abortion

Abortion, Contraception

Photo Archive

Archive of 18 original silver gelatin press photos of Sherri Chessen, television host turned the center of a national debate on abortion in early 1960s. Photos range 7” x 9” to 10” x 8” inches. Sometimes known in the media as Mrs. Robert Finkbine, the case surrounding Sherri Chessen's abortion was a pivotal moment in the history of abortion rights. In 1961, Chessen's husband returned from a trip to Europe with over-the-counter sedatives, which he gave to her in the earliest stages of her fifth pregnancy. Chessen then took the medication without realizing it contained thalidomide, a substance known for causing fetal deformities. When her physician recommended abortion, Chessen contacted the press under promise of anonymity because she wanted to raise awareness about the dangers of thalidomide. The press did not protect her identity, releasing her married name, and the hospital canceled her abortion, afraid of prosecution. When her doctor asked for a court order, Chessen became a public figure. The FBI was brought in to protect her against death threats and she lost her job as a children's television personality. Chessen flew to Sweden where she received a safe abortion. The Swedish physician who performed the procedure confirmed the fetus had no legs, one arm and would not have survived. The fetus was too deformed for gender identification.Chessen's case was so painful, it shifted the focus of conversation around abortion rights. By 1965, 77% of Americans wanted legal abortion in cases where the health of the mother was in danger, due in no small part to the awareness raised by Chessen's case. This archive documents the duress Chessen was under during this highly publicized yet personal event in her life. Photos depict her journey to and from Sweden, often accompanied by her husband, as well as affectionate moments between the couple. In one photo, she is quoted saying: 'I would just like to go someplace and have a few days of peace and quiet.'" This event was dramatized in the 1992 film, A Private Matter, starring Sissy Spacek. The photos have press markings and date stamps on verso and are in very good condition overall.

Item #18069

Price: $680.00