Conclusion

Reproductive freedom encompasses more than access to birth control and abortion. The quiet acts of protest performed by pregnant people in Hungary were done so out of a wish for reproductive freedom. 

Broken maternity systems are not unique to Hungary or Eastern Europe. Western, especially American, audiences are encouraged to consider the maternity system of their country. What does a “typical” birth experience encompass? What is the health outcome of the pregnant person and their child? How can these groups be better served in a way that promotes good mental and physical health? The structure of maternity systems is important to not only analyze but to reconsider, given the impacts it can have on the experiences and health of the person giving birth and on the health of the baby. Given the relative newness of the field of obstetrics and hospital births, the concept of a home birth should not exist with the level of societal nonacceptance that it does.  

It is difficult to imagine that the best interests of such vulnerable groups are not paramount, given their importance to their society. Yet, it is clear that practices and laws on birth stem directly from the patriarchy. Obstetrics came into existence out of an effort to steal power from women healers and midwives and instills fear into pregnant people who have little knowledge of the birthing experience. A medicalized birth is not an ideal birth for all and may instead bring harm to the person giving birth and their child. Thus it is important to not only reconcile with these transgressions against pregnant persons and children, but to do away with the taboo nature that exists around alternative birthing experiences within society to further empower those who give birth. The work – and defiance – of Agnes Geréb cannot be underrecognized. Birth must not be a traumatic or degrading experience.