Other methods to induce miscarriage were very hot baths and gin, extreme exertion, a controlled fall down a flight of stairs, or veterinary medicines. So-called 'backstreet' abortionists were fairly common, although their bloody efforts could be fatal.
This passage describes various methods used for inducing an abortion before safe and legal medical procedures were available. It highlights the dangerous practices employed by "backstreet" abortionists, who often lacked proper training and could cause serious harm or death.