Lather from a Soap Solution: A Historical Medical Exhibition on Unsafe Practices at the Museum of Contraception and Abortion

This exhibit focuses on a yellowish liquid historically used for abortions, identified by its soapy nature and the dangerous formation of lather. The page details the perilous method of its use via forceful douching, which led to many fatalities, and recounts a specific case where a young woman narrowly survived due to prompt medical intervention.

The 'Lather from a Soap Solution' exhibit delves into a historical object: a bottle containing a yellowish liquid, revealed to be soapy water, which was frequently employed as an abortifacient. The page explains that this substance, when used for douching, could lead to fatal air embolisms by blocking the heart and vessels. A case study from the 'Zentralblatt für Gynäkologie' in 1921 illustrates the severe risks, describing a young woman who nearly died after using a ball syringe with soapy water for abortion, experiencing extreme pain, bleeding, shortness of breath, and loss of consciousness. Fortunately, she received timely hospital treatment and survived, though the tube had penetrated deeply, forcing air into her bloodstream. The text emphasizes that soap was chosen for its ability to dissolve delicate tissue, facilitating foetal ejection, but underscored the significant mortality rate associated with such unsafe practices.

Visitor information regarding opening hours and tickets can be found on the museum's website. This specific exhibit's details do not include separate ticketing information, suggesting it is part of the general museum admission or a permanent display context.