WOMAN’S DEATH

Grey River Argus, 21 July 1941, Page 2

WOMAN’S DEATH

due to abortion. TIMARU, July 18. That death was due to septicaemia caused bv acute inflammation resulting from her unlawful use on herself of an instrument, with intent to procure a miscarriage, was the verdict returned by the Coroner (Mr H. Morgan) at an inquest at Timaim today into the death of Peggy Eliza beth Moffat, single, aged 22, of Ashburton, who died at the Timaru Public Hospital on May 16. Dr D S. Malcolm, house surgeon at the Timaru Public Hospital, said the woman was admitted at 5.35 p.m. on Mav 15. The condition of the patient indicated that she was suffering from a virulent septicaemia, and appropriate measures were taken to combat it. She admitted having interfered with herself, saying she had passed a certain instrument on herself a day or so before. She denied any assistance from a tnirif party. . , Medical evidence was given by Dr A. B. Pearson, pathologist at the Christchurch Public Hospital, who made a post-mortem examination at the request of the Coroner. The witness produced a report of his examination and said the woman died from a septic inflammation following an abortion.