Local History

The Morning Call, to its credit, scanned its back issues for a historical perspective on abortion in the Lehigh Valley. If “no abortions under any circumstances” Doug Mastriano is elected governor this November, he will certainly sign off on the wacky anti-abortion laws being passed by our gerrymandered Republican legislature, Pennsylvania may return to the “good old days” described in the Morning Call article.

Despite no medical training, Rose Basilone of Bethlehem performed abortions in her home beginning in 1940. She was arrested in ’40, ’48, and ’56, but, in each case was let go after threatening to expose treating of prominent local women. What would you expect in a town where Bethlehem Steel executives desiring a quick round of golf at their exclusive country club had a button in their office that would turn all the traffic lights on the way green? Their girlfriends’ and daughters’ abortions were not about to be publicized.

Rose’s career came to an end in 1961 when a 22 year old patient died during the procedure.

Safe, hospital abortions were available on a hush — hush basis at Allentown General until 1971. A psychiatrist there recommended “therapeutic” abortions when the woman’s health was threatened by the pregnancy for mental health reasons and medical doctors followed through. Then, a Morning Call reporter released the story and that was that. A hospital spokesman said that its abrupt policy change would mostly affect poor women. “People with money will always find a way.” Still true.

The most chilling case of an abortion gone wrong occurred in 1964. Bethlehem Funeral Director Tyler Kulik had some knowledge of anatomy and used it for his “side gig” as an abortionist. He would meet clients at a motel and perform the abortion for $300 ($2,800 today). He would then “take the money and run” after leaving a card with contact information for Dr Elias Sindel “if anything goes wrong”.

It did “go wrong” for Barbara Feraldo. She was hemorrhaging when Dr Sindel finally showed up at the motel. He kept her waiting for treatment while he counted the $340 that he demanded for his services. Courageously, Barbara prosecuted Kulik and Sindel. “I was fortunate to survive. The next woman may not.” Admitting she had an abortion took a lot of guts in 1964.

By the way, there is still a Kulik Funeral Home in Bethlehem.

Thanks, Supreme Court. The “good old days” that you would revive weren’t all that good.

By Ed Dufton