The Failed Self-Induced Attempt

Happening

This focused character flow traces Annie Duchesne’s attempt to act on her own body and the consequences of discovering her limits.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

A Decision at Home A Decision at Home from "Happening". A Decision at Home The Household Object Annie Duchesne takes the blue knitting needles she bought for a cardigan.

A Decision at Home from "Happening". A Decision at Home The Household Object Annie Duchesne takes the blue knitting needles she bought for a cardigan.

A Decision at Home The Household Object Annie Duchesne takes the blue knitting needles she bought for a cardigan. With no safe route secured, she decides to act on her own. Determination Under Constraint Her choice is not made in freedom from danger. It reflects how the criminal ban and failed medical approaches have narrowed her options.

The Attempt The Attempt from "Happening". The Attempt Trying to Find the Opening Annie Duchesne lies down and slowly inserts a needle, trying to locate the opening of the womb.

The Attempt from "Happening". The Attempt Trying to Find the Opening Annie Duchesne lies down and slowly inserts a needle, trying to locate the opening of the womb.

The Attempt Trying to Find the Opening Annie Duchesne lies down and slowly inserts a needle, trying to locate the opening of the womb. Pain and uncertainty stop her. Helplessness She becomes angry that she cannot manage the procedure herself. The attempt exposes the gap between determination and the bodily knowledge she lacks.

The Diary’s Verdict The Diary’s Verdict from "Happening". The Diary’s Verdict A Blunt Entry Annie Duchesne records that the attempt was impossible and that she cannot stop crying.

The Diary’s Verdict from "Happening". The Diary’s Verdict A Blunt Entry Annie Duchesne records that the attempt was impossible and that she cannot stop crying.

The Diary’s Verdict A Blunt Entry Annie Duchesne records that the attempt was impossible and that she cannot stop crying. The diary catches a moment when her resolve meets immediate failure. No Easy Exit The failure does not make her change her decision. Instead, it intensifies the need to find someone with the experience and tools she lacks.

Calling Doctor N Calling Doctor N from "Happening". Calling Doctor N A Deliberate Claim Annie Duchesne tells Doctor N she has harmed herself, though she knows this is untrue.

Calling Doctor N from "Happening". Calling Doctor N A Deliberate Claim Annie Duchesne tells Doctor N she has harmed herself, though she knows this is untrue.

Calling Doctor N A Deliberate Claim Annie Duchesne tells Doctor N she has harmed herself, though she knows this is untrue. The claim is meant to make him understand how urgent her request is. A Limited Response Doctor N examines her and gives her penicillin instructions without arranging the abortion. The encounter confirms that she must continue seeking help elsewhere.

The Need for Skilled Help The Need for Skilled Help from "Happening". The Need for Skilled Help A New Route Through LB, Annie Duchesne reaches Madame P-R, whose experience offers an alternative to further improvisation.

The Need for Skilled Help from "Happening". The Need for Skilled Help A New Route Through LB, Annie Duchesne reaches Madame P-R, whose experience offers an alternative to further improvisation.

The Need for Skilled Help A New Route Through LB, Annie Duchesne reaches Madame P-R, whose experience offers an alternative to further improvisation. The transition is from solitary attempt to clandestine expertise. Risk Remains Finding a provider does not make the procedure safe or legal. Annie’s failed attempt remains a reminder of how the search began and what was at stake.

December 1963

Soon after the attempt

Late December 1963