#marytoft

MARY TOFT

c.1701-1763        

THE LADY WHO GAVE BIRTH TO RABBITS

            Mary Toft lived in England in the 18th century, she was married and made the claim she gave birth to rabbits.

            She and her husband would insert parts of dead rabbits inside her so she could ‘give birth’ to them later. She also claimed that she craved rabbit meat and dreamt about rabbits.

            Word spread about the lady who could give birth to rabbits, and a doctor went to investigate. He observed that Toft would keep her legs tightly together (to prevent the animal parts from dropping out). Suspicion fell on her husband after he told the doctor that only he could deliver the rabbits and wouldn’t let anyone intervene in the birthing process.

            Toft was taken to London for further investigation, her husband was on the lookout to purchase dead rabbits and Toft also had her sister-in-law to smuggle in dead rabbits. When this was discovered, Toft was questioned and she replied that she wanted the rabbit to eat.

            Toft was observed around the clock and during this time she pretended to go into labour numerous times but ceased to give birth to any more rabbits. Medical staff insisted they would have to operate on her. Worried about the upcoming surgery, Toft confessed that it was all a hoax and she did it to gain money.

            Toft was arrested and remained in prison for a few months. Crowds of people would go to the prison in the hopes of seeing Mary Toft in person and she became somewhat of a celebrity. Toft was released and later gave birth to a human child.