I am a history buff and years ago recall reading in a book (and I do not remember the title) about the American Civil War the following anecdote (reported by a physician) : During the Battle of Gettysburg, a Confederate bullet struck and passed through the genitals of a Union soldier and then striking a young townswoman who was caring for the many wounded. The soldier died but the woman survived her wound. Weeks later, she was shocked and dismayed to discover that she was pregnant (she was unmarried) and, in due course, gave birth to a baby girl 7 months later. I know this sounds rediculous, but could it have really happened?
2006-07-25 16:28:30 · 19 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
No; it is an urban legend. It originated as article that was printed as a joke in the journal The American Medical Weekly on 11/7/1874. Other journals passed it on as fact without ever verifying the source. The link below to Snope.Com provides extensive details on the matter, along with sources and citing the sources of their information.
http://www.snopes.com/pregnant/bullet.asp
2006-07-25 16:41:17 · answer #1 · answered by bottleblondemama 7 · 5⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it. Shooting, back then, was a rather imprecise science. From what I've heard, the gun design and the use of loose powder would probably mean a very hot gun barrel and bullet... and heat is a sperm's worst enemy.
Perhaps the physician did it when the young woman was under his care and wrote the other story as a cover-up? :)
2006-07-25 23:35:42 · answer #2 · answered by amarie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I doubt it, because the sperm would have been injured. And the wound the woman probably suffered might not have been able to allow her to carry a baby at this time.
2006-07-25 23:31:38 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I seriously doubt it. And yes, it does sound rediculous! Sounds like somebody was doing something she wasn't supposed to and blamed it on an ironic accident....either that or the writer had one heck of an imagination!
2006-07-25 23:31:26 · answer #4 · answered by #3ontheway! 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
LOL I watched MythBusters on this EXACT urban myth and the answer is; no it cannot be possible. I can't remember the reasons exactly why...but look it up on their website, I'm sure they will be able to tell you the answers.
2006-07-25 23:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Jaki S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I saw that on mythbusters just the other day. No it is not possible. It is completely impossible. I LOVE myth busters! Its a great show!
2006-07-25 23:30:53 · answer #6 · answered by mom_of_4 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I read that too! Can't remember which novel it was in. Seems to be purely anectdotal, but who knows? I think you should email the Mythbusters and ask them to see if they can uncover the truth.
2006-07-25 23:36:39 · answer #7 · answered by mylittletribe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
physical impossibility. because a man does not have sperm in his penis unless aroused. the sperm is in his scrotum. plus the sperm would most likely pass off of the bullet with the incredible speed it has going through the air.
course, she could have been raped or had a one-night-stand with someone, but i doubt it.
2006-07-25 23:36:59 · answer #8 · answered by Getoutalive 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Doubtful, any genetic material would have been "wiped" from the bullet when it went through the clothing.
2006-07-25 23:32:31 · answer #9 · answered by Walter J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hey I saw that episode of myth busters too! They completely de-bunked that one! She just waanted a baby's daddy!
2006-07-25 23:32:34 · answer #10 · answered by Katie 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋