Content note: Advertises a film arguing that disabled newborns should be left to die, and calls them "defective infants". This object is shown as it was published. Why
The Black Stork (cinema advertisement)
A 1917 U.S. newspaper advertisement for The Black Stork, a film in which surgeon Harry J. Haiselden, who the text says 'refuses to operate' on 'hopelessly deformed, defective infants at their birth', plays himself. Virtue slogans ('For Humanity's Sake', 'Every Child has a Right to be Well Born'), a named doctor's authority and an appeal to 'all future generations' frame letting disabled newborns die as a humane duty.
- Date
- November 1917
- Period
- First World War
- Made by
- Oliver Theater, advertising the film The Black Stork starring Chicago surgeon Harry J. Haiselden
- Region
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Medium
- Advertisement
- Issuer type
- Corporation
- Regime
- Wilson Administration
- Leader
- Woodrow Wilson
- Audience
- Domestic public
- Purpose
- Persuade or win support
- Themes
- Health, Science and technology, Media and information
- Techniques
- Glittering generalitiesTransferTestimonialFear appeal
- Source
- Identified Openly sourced: the speaker is who they say they are
- Source
- Wikimedia Commons, retrieved September 27, 2026
- Rights
- Public domain (U.S. publication before 1930)
Text on the object
THE OLIVER THEATER Two Days and Matinees Beginning Nov. 13th For Humanity's Sake THE SEX PROBLEM OF TODAY THE BLACK STORK Six reels of sensational, thrilling story of actual happenings—Everyday—Everywhere. Handling a Subject of Vital Importance to Every Man, Woman and Child in the World. "Every Child has a Right to be Well Born" BUT Thousands and Thousands are Not. WHY? If you see "THE BLACK STORK" you will know. DR. HARRY J. HAISELDEN, the noted Chicago surgeon, who refuses to operate on hopelessly deformed, defective infants at their birth, and thereupon lets an inheritance of woe and suffering, appears in one of the leading roles, and is supported by an exceptionally strong cast. FOR THE SAKE OF YOUR CHILDREN AND ALL FUTURE GENERATIONS, SEE THIS PICTURE. Admission 10c & 15c Plus War Tax Children under 16 years of age will not be interested, but all over that age should not fail to see it. Matinees With Lecture and Slides—For Ladies Only Dr. Harry J. Haiselden
