Midwife Act

United Kingdom [1902]

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

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The Midwife Act of 1902 in the United Kingdom was a significant step in the formalization of midwifery practice. This act explicitly mandated that midwives complete a training program. It also established limitations, restricting midwives to attending normal births and requiring them to transfer care to a physician for complicated cases. Furthermore, the act prohibited midwives from using instruments like forceps. This legislation helped to solidify midwifery's role within healthcare provision in Britain.1

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midwifery
Developments in the 20th century
In Britain the Midwife Act of 1902 explicitly required that midwives attend a training program. It also limited midwives to attending normal births, required them to transfer care of a labouring woman to a physician in complicated cases, and restricted midwives from using instruments such as forceps. This…
Read More
In Britain the Midwife Act of 1902 explicitly required that midwives attend a training program. It also limited midwives to attending normal births, required them to transfer care of a labouring woman to a physician in complicated cases, and restricted midwives from using instruments such as forceps. This…
Read More