Julia Fortmeyer’s early life is sparsely recorded, and little is known about her upbringing or how she came to work as an abortionist in St. Louis, Missouri. Historians have speculated that she was part of a network of midwives and unlicensed practitioners who provided abortions at a time when both social stigma and criminal penalties forced such practices into secrecy.

During the 19th century, abortion was not only illegal in many states but also heavily prosecuted when brought to public attention. Midwives and abortion providers were often accused of preying on vulnerable women and endangering their lives. At the same time, they were sometimes the only option available to desperate mothers, especially those without financial means or family support.

In 1875, Julia Fortmeyer was brought to trial in St. Louis on charges related to the death of an infant during an abortion procedure. The prosecution, led by Colonel Normile, aimed to secure a conviction for first-degree murder, claiming Fortmeyer had burned a baby alive in her cook stove. However, the evidence was not sufficient to prove deliberate murder beyond a reasonable doubt.

During the trial, the prosecution shifted strategy, arguing instead for a conviction of manslaughter in the second degree. Witnesses testified about the conditions in Fortmeyer’s premises and the handling of remains. The trial drew significant public attention, as it highlighted not only the moral panic over abortion but also the legal system’s challenges in proving intentional infanticide.

A transcript of the trial was later published in 1875 by Barclay & Company of Philadelphia, preserving testimony and arguments that reflected both the sensational tone of the prosecution and the broader social anxieties surrounding abortion.

Ultimately, the jury convicted Julia Fortmeyer of manslaughter. She was sentenced to ten years in prison but served seven before release. After her conviction, she continued to be cited in newspapers and public discussions as a cautionary example of the so-called "notorious abortionist."

Decades later, in 1899, a St. Louis newspaper compared her case to that of Henrietta Bamberger, another woman arrested under similar circumstances. The article repeated claims that Fortmeyer had "killed infants and burned their bodies in a cook stove," though historians caution that these statements were never proven in court and were likely exaggerated by the press to inflame public opinion.

No reliable records describe Fortmeyer’s life after her release from prison. Whether she resumed practicing or withdrew from public view remains unknown. Her story reflects both the dangers of unregulated medical procedures and the intense moral scrutiny directed at women accused of abortion in the 19th century United States.