Sometimes it is performed because of the sympathy
of the physician. It is very hard to refuse some cases. Let me read you
a letter to illustrate my meaning.

"I have just finished reading your article on 'Woman's Inhumanity to
Woman' and wish to say that every word impresses the truth as read. My
reason for writing you is because I am one of those who have sinned
through love, with one I have known all my life only to find too late
that he did not love me; and the sin is killing me. I do not want to
bring into this world a little child to have no father. I am not bad at
heart. My only hope is to get something that will bring me all right. If
you are a doctor you can give me medicine that will help me miscarry
this, as I have only missed two months. Nothing would please me more
than to be the mother of a little one, but, oh, not one born without a
name. Dear madam, if you can help me, or show me some way that my people
cannot suspect me of this sin, for the love you bear all girls, help me.
I am the only one at home to care for an aged father and one of the
dearest brothers that ever lived. If he knew I had sinned as I have, it
would break his heart. My God in heaven, help me! is my prayer, and
through his love you can help me. I am almost desperate and before I
will live and bear this sin I will take my own life, which will bar me
from heaven and my angel mother's face. Be gracious, kind doctor, and
help me. I will repay you if it takes the remainder of my life and give
my solemn promise that I will sin no more. Erring through the love of a
man is my only excuse and, oh, I am the one to bear the blame. He would
be forgiven. I am so nervous and ruined in mind that I hardly can go
about my duties and I cannot stand the strain much longer. Let me hear
from you at once and please help me, for I know it can be done, but I am
ignorant; I do not know what to get or what to do. It will be no sin to
try to get all right and not bear a child, but in my thoughts it is
something awful to have to have it. For the love of heaven help a
heartbroken girl at once and before it is too late for me to regain my
chance of heaven."

Now suppose you were a physician and that girl, instead of being a
stranger, was a very dear friend who had come to you in your office,
would you not be tempted to grant her wishes? That is the position in
which every physician is placed a great many times. Some allow their
sympathies to rule and so break the la