What Happened to Esther in Handmaid's Tale
Here’s where things get brutally complicated. Esther is raped by Commander Putnam during the Ceremony, and she’s forced to carry his child. But the show takes a terrifying turn: she contracts syphilis from Putnam (who’s had multiple infected partners).
In a raw scene, June and Janine learn that Esther’s baby will likely be stillborn—and that Esther herself may die. It’s a devastating reminder that Gilead’s cruelty isn’t just psychological; it’s physical and contagious.
Practical tip: If you’re binge-watching, have tissues handy for Season 5, Episode 10. That hospital scene is a gut-punch.
Handmaid's Tale: How Esther Became A Handmaid (& What Happened To Her?)