Clemency
Great news for Hungarian midwife Agnes Gereb, for the women of Hungary and the midwives and women of the world. Agnes released a statement earlier today explaining that she will not now go to prison as she has been granted clemency by the President of Hungary. (See our news item of 11th January 2018 for the details of why she faced prison). The Association of Radical Midwives in the UK sends our very best wishes and love to Agnes, thanks to the President of Hungary, and our acknowledgement of Agnes’ courage, her supporters’ efforts in signing the petition, writing letters, articles and other campaign work. Hopefully Agnes feels relieved of some of the stress as the threat of prison is finally lifted.
Agnes says: “This act of clemency is about more than me. It is an acknowledgement of liberty in giving birth. It is a recognition by the state that the rights of women to make decisions about the circumstances of their children’s birth must be acknowledged.”
Agnes’ statement as follows:
The President of Hungary Dr János Áder has accepted the plea for clemency of the internationally-acclaimed independent midwife/ obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Ágnes Geréb, and cancelled the prison sentence against her.
I am deeply grateful to all those who have stood by me, who with their actions and encouragement have helped me through this period of trial and hardship – said the 66 year old health professional. This act of clemency is about more than me. It is an acknowledgement of liberty in giving birth. It is a recognition by the state that the rights of women to make decisions about the circumstances of their children’s birth must be acknowledged.
Freedom of Childbirth
Dr Geréb has made the freedom of childbirth the centre of her life’s work. Part of this work was her contribution to legislation that empowers the autonomy of women in childbirth.
One result of her four decades of work is that the presence of fathers at childbirth, once forbidden, is now commonplace. More importantly, her work resulted in legislation which legalised homebirth in Hungary. This not only expanded the rights of birthing women, but improved hospital practices as well. Dr Geréb has made a significant and lasting impact on Hungarian society by introducing undisturbed birth and fighting for the rights of women and their babies.
Along last sanity prevails. So happy to hear this result. It gives hope to those who are currently struggling against unjust regimes, at whatever level of bureaucracy. Thank you Agnes for your courage and strength to stay this course.
Great news! ARM has been supporting Agnes from the start of her ordeal, sending representatives to accompany her during harrowing court sessions. It has been a most unjust case against Agnes, a qualified doctor and midwife, for assisting a woman to give birth at home. She strongly believed that women should have the right to choose how and where to give birth, and that legislation in her country must be amended to have this right acknowledged. She has finally won her long struggle, the threat of a prison sentence lifted, and childbearing women in her country are sure to be extremely grateful to her.