Delphine Walsh

Delphine Walsh (born Delphine Dockerty, 1907 – May 3, 1929) was an American dancer. Her death following an abortion performed illegally by two doctors made headlines in 1929.

Early life and career Walsh was born Delphine Dockerty in Bisbee, Arizona. Her father, Thomas Dougherty, worked as a copper miner. She had an older sister, Dorothy. Due to poverty, Walsh's parents gave her up for adoption when she was 6 years old. She was adopted by Mrs. Mae Walsh, who later gave her dance lessons.

Walsh left Arizona and traveled to Los Angeles to become a dancer. She was immediately popular with booking agencies and began to establish herself in the theatrical world. Walsh had actually undergone an abortion. Before her death, she implicated Dr. R.S. Lanterman and Dr. P.S. Traxler. Her death certificate lists her cause of death as Septic peritonitis following criminal abortion.

Walsh was buried in an unmarked grave at Hollywood Forever Cemetery in Los Angeles. In 2020 her fans organized a fundraiser and paid for a headstone to be placed.

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