Active Birth Movement

In 1982, thousands of women - and men and children - took to the streets for the first Birth Rights rally - to demand the right to give birth naturally.

Pregnant women wanted to move around freely during labour and be in any position to give birth, rather than using the positions convenient for and encouraged by doctors and midwives at the time.

Witness speaks to Janet Balaskas, the young mother and antenatal teacher who led the protests.

PHOTO: Baby George (AFP/Getty Images)