Für Margretha, Johanna, Sophia…

Monument for women's right to self-determination on the banks of the Danube, Steinerne Brücke Stadtamhof

September 2025

Until around 1600, so-called water punishments took place on the 13th arch of the Stone Bridge in Regensburg. Women in particular were executed by drowning. They were cruelly punished because they could not or did not want to carry a child to term.

Today, there are rescue bars along the banks of the Danube to protect people from drowning.

Artist Katharina Cibulka creates a connection between medieval punishment practices and worldwide attacks on the right to determine one’s own body. In her oversized sculpture, she transforms the lifesaving ring of a rescue bar into a coat hanger—a symbol of dangerous abortions when safe medical care is denied and pregnant women are driven into illegality.

Reproductive rights are currently under pressure worldwide. Let’s protect humanity, freedom of choice, and democratic participation!

 

The work was created as part of the donumenta Artist in Residence program. A community of supporters, initiated by KunstKnoten e.V. Regensburg, made the permanent installation of the sculpture possible.

Further information: www.donumenta.de