The Horrifying Business Where Dark Skin Babies Were Unmarketable
The horror of the Butter box babies
In the spring of 1935, Eva Nieforth of Nova Scotia was in a relationship with a man named Walter. Then Eva found out she was pregnant. The couple had to keep the pregnancy a secret because it was taboo to have a child out of wedlock. Eva was due to give birth at the Ideal Maternity Home, away from people’s judgments and peeking eyes.
She went to the maternity home just before Christmas. She was welcomed with open arms by the owners, William and Lila Young. Unfortunately, Eva contracted an abdominal infection. Her labor was rough, she almost died. Her baby didn’t make it.
Eva’s boyfriend, Walter, was made aware of Eva’s condition. Upon arrival, he found out that no antibiotics had been administered to Eva for her infection. Walter also discovered that no doctor was called in for Eva. When he questioned William and Lila, they were offended. William informed Walter that they didn’t need to call one since he was a doctor himself.
Walter was charged $25 for the burial of the baby. And when he asked if he could see Eva again, Lila told him that visiting hours were over. Two days later, Eva was dead.
