A People's History of Kansas City

Unraveling the legend of Doc Annie

By Suzanne Hogan,

Published July 27, 2022 at 4:00 AM CDT

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This isn't the first time Missouri has banned abortions. Residents may have heard ghoulish tales of “Doc Annie” Smith, a physician who looms large in Missouri’s mythology for performing illegal abortions in the early 1900s. Today, the truth about her work has largely disappeared.

Read more about what a Missouri ‘ghost story’ reveals about the last time the state banned abortions from KCUR's Mackenzie Martin.

A People's History of Kansas City is hosted by Suzanne Hogan. This episode was produced and mixed by Mackenzie Martin and edited by Gabe Rosenberg.

The excerpt from KBIA’s Show Me The State podcast was produced by Jamie Hobbs with supervising producer/reporter Kristofor Husted and managing editor Ryan Famuliner.

A People's History of Kansas City

Suzanne Hogan

As managing podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I want to feed your curious mind, offer historical context so you understand why things are the way they are, and introduce you to the people working to make a difference behind the scenes. Reach me at hogansm@kcur.org.

See stories by Suzanne Hogan

Mackenzie Martin

As senior podcast producer for KCUR Studios and a host of A People’s History of Kansas City, I interview everyday people and dig through old newspaper articles to unearth stories of the visionaries and renegades who created this region. I focus on bringing the past to life, so we can all better understand the city we live in today. Email me at mackenzie@kcur.org.

See stories by Mackenzie Martin

Kristofor Husted

As the Midwest Newsroom’s investigative editor, Kris strives to amplify voices from the region our audiences don’t often hear from. He works with our reporters to seek out stories and experiences that help broaden perspectives and hold people accountable. Contact him at krishusted@kcur.org

See stories by Kristofor Husted