Helena Barop: Myths, power and the cervix. A feminist history of birth - Freiburger Andruck, moderated by Philine Sauvaegot

The story of the beginning of our lives is one that we all share. Helena Barop tells it as "A Feminist History of Birth" (Siedler, 2026) from the beginning of humanity to the present day. Her illuminating journey through the delivery rooms of history shows how much the birth experience is influenced by the changing understanding of obstetrics. An understanding determined by techniques, skills, knowledge horizons - and ideas of femininity.
Today's norm of medically assisted hospital birth is an invention of the 18th century, deeply influenced by patriarchal hierarchy, which expects obedience and passivity from patients in need of help. With her historical perspective, Barop shows how these traditional power structures are linked to violence during childbirth - and talks to Philine Sauvageot (SWR) about what needs to change so that women and children can be self-determined and safe at the center.
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Photo: © Penguin Random House

Co-organizer: "Freiburger Andruck": Kulturamt, Stadtbibliothek, SWR Studio und Theater Freiburg sowie Badische Zeitung

Date: 25.06.2026, 19:30
Venue: Stadtbibliothek, Münsterplatz 17
Free admission

Reading and discussion
Out of house