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ROCHESTER, Minn., Nov 5, 2006 (UPI via COMTEX) -- Dr. Jane Hodgson, the only physician convicted in the United States of illegally performing a hospital abortion, has died at 91 at her home in Rochester, N.Y.
Hodgson died Oct. 23, The New York Times said.
In 1970, Hodgson agreed to terminate the pregnancy of a woman who became sick with German measles, which can cause severe birth defects. At the time, Minnesota law allowed abortion only to save the mother's life.
Hodgson was convicted and sentenced to 30 days in jail -- a sentence that was later suspended. After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned state abortion laws in 1973, Hodgson's conviction was overturned.
In later years, Hodgson continued to perform abortions and campaign for abortion rights. Her name appeared on a lawsuit that unsuccessfully challenged Minnesota's parental notification law.
Hodgson, who graduated from medical school in 1939, refused to perform abortions earlier in her career. She changed her views after seeing women who had gone through botched illegal abortions.
Hodgson's husband, Dr. Frank Quattlebaum, died two years ago. She is survived by two daughters and three grandchildren.
URL: www.upi.com Copyright 2006 by United Press International
