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Original Photo Archive of Sherri Chessen's Pivotal Role in Legalizing Abortion
by Abortion, Contraception
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Woodland Hills, California, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
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.
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Details
- Bookseller
- Max Rambod Inc.
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 18069
- Title
- Original Photo Archive of Sherri Chessen's Pivotal Role in Legalizing Abortion
- Author
- Abortion, Contraception
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
Terms of Sale
Max Rambod Inc.
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including original shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Max Rambod Inc.
Biblio member since 2020
Woodland Hills, California
About Max Rambod Inc.
Max Rambod Inc offers thousands of rare books, historical documents, letters, manuscripts, printed ephemera, and first editions in a variety of fields. These include Americana, Women's History, Military History, Science & Technology, Philosophy, African Americana, Literature, Art, and more.
For over 30 years, we have served a clientele of collectors, private institutions, universities, and public libraries in acquisition and collection development. We are members of ILAB, ABAA, and PADA, and have furnished collections around the world with rare and unique material; from the personal letters of literary greats to first edition Journals of Congress to unique pamphlets from the civil rights era. We strive to find archives and original early printed material that can fill gaps in existing institutional holdings; the kind of material that can bring new perspectives to the traditionally disregarded voices of indigiouneous peoples, women, and African-Americans.
We pride ourselves on the ability to track down the rarest and most interesting material for our client's collections. The partnerships we form with libraries, institutions, and personal collectors begin with a phone call or an email and last for decades. We offer an unconditional guarantee for each item's authenticity and completeness.
For over 30 years, we have served a clientele of collectors, private institutions, universities, and public libraries in acquisition and collection development. We are members of ILAB, ABAA, and PADA, and have furnished collections around the world with rare and unique material; from the personal letters of literary greats to first edition Journals of Congress to unique pamphlets from the civil rights era. We strive to find archives and original early printed material that can fill gaps in existing institutional holdings; the kind of material that can bring new perspectives to the traditionally disregarded voices of indigiouneous peoples, women, and African-Americans.
We pride ourselves on the ability to track down the rarest and most interesting material for our client's collections. The partnerships we form with libraries, institutions, and personal collectors begin with a phone call or an email and last for decades. We offer an unconditional guarantee for each item's authenticity and completeness.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Verso
- The page bound on the left side of a book, opposite to the recto page.
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