Her Body, Their Voice

Abstract

Her Body, Their Voice A discussion of women’s reproductive agency This article argues that the social gender norms of Ancient Athens and the early Roman Empire did not give women any reproductive agency. The norms moreover affected the infant- and maternal mortality rates. The article employs gender theory. Further, it examines both archaeological material and ancient texts as premise to discuss women’s reproductive agency. The discussion of women’s agencies over their own body is relevant both in a historical and contemporary context. It is an important topic that necessitates further study.