The Story of the Přerov Angel-Maker

In the 1930s, life for the socially disadvantaged classes was not considered easy at all. It was caused by the unavailability of contraception and the criminalization of artificial termination of pregnancy that a large number of children were raised in poor families (more about birth rates can be read in the previous article). Thus, an unsolvable life situation was presented by an unwanted pregnancy for single girls as well as married women from working-class families, and therefore, drastic solutions were turned to by them. Even though it was known by them that their health, and in extreme cases even their lives, were being risked. In this gray zone, operations were carried out by the so-called angel-makers, by whom a way out was offered without any medical education, in deep secrecy, and for a considerable financial sum. Paradoxically, however, desperate women were plunged into even greater debts and existential problems by the high fee. A cruel death from the consequences of massive internal bleeding, blood poisoning, or peritonitis was suffered by many women. Furthermore, permanent consequences in the form of lifelong infertility were often borne by the women by whom the procedure was survived. Due to the threat of harsh punishments for abortion, the injured women could be turned to neither the police nor a doctor. Consequently, their practices could be continued undisturbed for many years by the angel-makers. A report was provided in October 1940 by the Moravský večerník newspaper about one of such dark cases, by which the chilling reality of the clandestine trade of that time was exposed.

Bartošova Street in Přerov was seen as inconspicuous but filled with poor people burdened with ordinary worries. In one of the apartments, Marie Houžvová, previously the widowed Bartlová, currently the wife of a local worker, was lived. Money was not spared in the working-class household, which was probably what she was directed by towards the operation of an illegal trade. Since 1936, a quiet whisper had been spread through the town. Whenever an unsolvable situation was found herself in by any of the women and a disaster was meant for her by an unwanted pregnancy, the name Houžvová was passed from mouth to mouth. For 40 to 70 crowns, a quick solution was provided by Marie. Her trade was operated secretly, and the tools and preparations intended for it were clandestinely supplied to her by an acquaintance of hers, a nurse from the hospital. Marie was not recognized as a doctor; actions were taken by her on her own and with a massive risk if the procedure were to be failed.

One day, the door was knocked on by a very young girl. This time, however, the procedure was not carried out as had been promised by the angel-maker. Serious complications were arisen, and the woman’s life was endangered by the unprofessional intervention. In a critical condition, she had to be hastily transported to the Olomouc maternity hospital. At first glance, it was made clear to the local doctors what was being dealt with by them. The tracks that had been left by the botched abortion were clearly pointed toward a criminal act. Under pressure from the doctors, they were spoken to by the girl, and the threads began to be directed straight to the female worker in Přerov. It was soon sensed by Houžvová that the noose was being tightened. As soon as it was realized by her that the ground was burning under her feet, panic was succumbed to by her. All the incriminating preparations were taken and thrown into the fire by her, by which the evidence of her illegal practice was consumed. However, it was too late for a rescue. The apartment on Bartošova Street was stormed by investigators, and a breakdown was finally suffered by Houžvová during the subsequent interrogation. Procedures on 6 women as well as the burning of a fetus were confessed to by her. On that day, the long-standing whispers were turned into a sensation and a public scandal. Houžvová was taken into the custody of the district court in Přerov, at which the verdict was ultimately heard by her as well.

An example of what intricate fates can be hidden in the ordinary streets of our towns is provided by the story of the Přerov angel-maker. History is not merely composed of great battles and kings, but primarily of the everyday lives of ordinary people – our great-grandfathers and great-grandmothers. Whether your ancestors were respected craftsmen, brave soldiers, or whether secrets about which it was preferred not to speak in the family were hidden by them, their fates are considered worth discovering. You can be guided through centuries, and even the most complex family ties can be untangled by professional genealogical research. Let a free consultation be requested via the contact form, email, or WhatsApp .