To a modern reader who believes in safe, legal abortion, Madame Restell seems to have behaved about as well as one could in these circumstances. She offered her best-informed medical opinion but deferred to her patient’s wishes. She didn’t pressure her out of her choice. She offered a discount despite having to perform a very risky and illegal procedure. She provided constant care after the procedure. She even made sure her patient got home safely at the time when she wanted to leave.
