Today, the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) and the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) wrote to Hungarian President Janos Ader concerning the situation of Dr. Gereb.
The two federations represent 1.5 million midwives and gynecologists/obstetricians worldwide. Dr. Gereb, the Hungarian midwife and obstetrician is currently facing a 2 year prison sentence and will now turn to Hungarian President Janos Ader to seek a clemency in the matter.
When expressing their support for Dr. Gereb in her application for clemency both ICM and FIGO stated that "It is our shared belief that women around the world have the right to excellent midwifery and/or obstetric care and we encourage and celebrate midwives and obstetricians who respect a woman’s right to make informed choices and decisions about her care during childbirth".
Both organisations, through their respective presidents, said they believed that "midwives and obstetricians always have the right to first be investigated by their peers; that is, a professional hearing by experts from their own profession of midwives or obstetricians, respectively. Such a professional hearing should always precede the potential necessity of handling by police and investigation by a criminal court".
To this end, both ICM and FIGO expressed their willingness to "offer our respective technical expertise to assist the Republic of Hungary where necessary, by giving opinion and feedback on its newly developed guidelines for home-birthing and for the structure of its health professional disciplinary processes".
In concluding, ICM and FIGO respectfully urged President Ader to "uphold these respective rights for all women, midwives and obstetricians in your country".
A copy of the letter is attached.
For press enquiries contact:
Donal Kerry (English language)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
mob: +36 30 924 2190
Nagy Petra Júlia (Hungarian language)
email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
mob: +36 20 824 7881