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The Plight Exhibition: Historical Legal Cases and Personal Narratives at the Museum of Contraception and Abortion

Uncover centuries of societal and legal challenges faced by women through extensive archival research and true stories.

The 'Plight' exhibition at the Museum of Contraception and Abortion offers a profound look into the historical legal and social repercussions faced by women. Through anonymized court records and contemporary reports from worldwide archives, visitors can explore narratives concerning 'immoral women,' infanticide, and abortion providers. This collection sheds light on past societal judgments and legal frameworks governing women's reproductive rights over two centuries.

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About Plight at Museum of Contraception and Abortion in Vienna

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Exhibition summary

This section delves into historical legal cases and personal narratives concerning 'immoral women,' infanticide, and abortion providers, drawing from archives worldwide. It presents true stories spanning up to 200 years, featuring anonymized court records and contemporary reports to shed light on past societal and legal challenges.

Curatorial context

The 'Plight' section of the Museum of Contraception and Abortion presents a comprehensive collection of historical documents and narratives related to criminal proceedings against women for offenses such as infanticide and illegal abortion. Through extensive research in Austrian and international archives, the museum showcases past court records, many of which have never been previously accessible. These true stories, extending back up to two centuries, offer a profound look into the legal and social repercussions faced by women. To ensure privacy and respect, the names of the individuals involved have been altered or omitted. The content includes a wide array of historical accounts, from circulars issued by governing bodies regarding specific cases to personal testimonies and contemporary reports. The museum aims to illuminate the historical context surrounding reproductive rights, societal judgments, and the legal frameworks that governed women's lives, making this a significant resource for understanding the historical challenges and plight faced by many.

Admission and ticket notes

Visitor information regarding opening hours and tickets can be found at: https://www.muvs.org/en/museum/opening-tickets/

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Museum of Contraception and Abortion
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Open now
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