The Midwives Act of 1902: Women in the Victorian Era

Abstract

Midwives had been active for centuries in all cultures and were the customary assistants to women during childbirth. In England, the midwife had been in charge of the birth process and immediate aftercare of mother and child for generations. In the aftermath of the Enlightenment as men became more enamored with the things of science, the male medical community eventually began questioning the worth and competence of the old-fashioned midwife. In 1889 a call was raised to regulate midwives and many persons and professional groups in Britain became involved in the controversy and discussion: this was the debate that ultimately, after many unsuccessful attempcs at passage, led to the passage of the law, The Midwives Act of 1902 mandating formal training, registration on a national roll, and strict supervision to be overseen by a newly created Central Midwives Board, and was the end product of a vigorous effort.