National Physicians’ Day and “The celebrated abortion trial of Dr Emily Stowe”

National Physicians’ Day is recognized annually on the birthday of Dr Emily Jennings (Stowe). Born 1 May 1831, Dr Stowe was a trailblazer—the first woman in Canada to openly establish a medical practice and a founding member of the Canadian Women’s Suffrage Association.

Denied entry to medical school in Canada—like all women of her time—she refused to accept the limitations imposed upon her. Instead, she pursued her studies abroad, earning a degree in homeopathic medicine from the New York Medical College for Women in 1867, at the age of 36.

Upon returning to Canada, Dr Stowe established a medical practice in Toronto, despite lacking a formal licence. She quickly gained a strong base, particularly among female patients. However, in 1869, new laws granted the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario exclusive authority to license doctors, requiring applicants to have attended at least one session at an Ontario medical school.[1] Repeatedly denied Canadian medical college registration because of her gender, Dr Stowe was undeterred and continued her practice. 

In 1870, she and Jennie Kidd Trout were finally permitted to attend lectures at the Toronto School of Medicine, though their experience was fraught with hostility. Subjected to harassment and humiliation from the male-dominated student body, Dr Stowe ultimately did not complete the oral and written licensure exams required by the college, reportedly unwilling to place her fate in the hands of a prejudiced panel.[1,2]

Dr Stowe’s challenges did not end there. In 1879, she became the target of a criminal charge—attempting to procure an abortion. “The celebrated abortion trial of Dr. Emily Stowe, Toronto, 1879*” (1991) explores the nuances and complexities of her well-publicized prosecution. The case involved a 19-year-old unmarried domestic servant who had sought Dr Stowe’s care in May 1879. Three months later, the young woman was found dead. The article’s author speculated on Dr Stowe’s internal conflict, noting that, while she was a feminist, her stance on abortion remained unclear. Rather than turning the patient away or alerting authorities, she prescribed a mixture of hellebore, cantharides, and myrrh—intended, as she later testified, as a placebo to prevent the young woman from seeking more dangerous alternatives. Expert witness testimony affirmed that the prescription could not have harmed the patient or her fetus. 

Despite this, the trial subjected Dr Stowe to intense misogyny. Additionally, the coroner admitted to being intoxicated during the inquest, and he later misplaced all the physical evidence, including the prescription itself. In the end, Dr Stowe was acquitted. Just months later, in 1880, she was granted a medical licence in Ontario—some speculate due to the skill she demonstrated at her trial and support from expert witnesses.[2] Her eldest daughter, Augusta Stowe-Gullen, carried on her legacy, becoming the first white woman to graduate from a Canadian medical college, in 1883.

Though we cannot ask Dr Stowe what fueled her resolve and determination, one might speculate that medicine was her true calling. She left behind a stable teaching career to enter a profession that, at the time, offered neither financial security nor social acceptance for women. She endured public scrutiny and sacrificed time with her children, all in pursuit of her passion. Dr Stowe passed away in 1903, but her perseverance laid the foundation for future generations of women in medicine.[3] 

This year, Doctors of BC celebrates 125 years of advocating for and supporting BC doctors to influence the health care system and create positive change for their patients. Looking back also includes acknowledging historical injustices and reaffirming a commitment to learn from the people and actions of the past to shape the future. 

As we observe National Physicians’ Day this year and celebrate 125 years of determination, I reflect on all of you—my colleagues—and the sacrifices you have made to serve your patients. Your dedication may sometimes go unrecognized, but it is deeply valued.
—Caitlin Dunne, MD

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References

1.    Backhouse CB. The celebrated abortion trial of Dr. Emily Stowe, Toronto, 1879*. CBMH IBCHM 1991;8:159-187. https://doi.org/10.3138/cbmh.8.2.159. 
2.    Feldberg G. “Jennings, Emily Howard (Stowe).” Dictionary of Canadian biography. Vol 13. Toronto/Laval: University of Toronto/Université Laval, 2003. Accessed 9 March 2025. www.biographi.ca/en/bio/jennings_emily_howard_13E.html.
3.    Canadian Medicinal Hall of Fame. Emily Stowe, MD. Accessed 9 March 2025. www.cdnmedhall.ca/laureates/emilystowe.