Health Care and Midwives

Aside from illness, giving birth was fraught with danger for women and constituted a leading cause of death. However, as early as people lived in groups, there were women helping other women deliver their newborns. The role of these women evolved into the Midwifery profession. These (mostly) women and (some) men have been essential contributors to the health of women. Thousands of years ago Old Testament writers of Jewish religious literature, including the Torah and the Pentateuch, described events with midwives. (Genesis 35:17; Exodus 1:17)

These ancient writings, along with Roman bas-relief depictions of birthing, demonstrate the importance and influence of these health care providers in antiquity and pre-Christian eras. Midwives and now nurse midwives continue this tradition of supporting women in their birthing efforts through study of both scientific and traditional methods. (See “A Brief History of Midwifery in America,” Center for Women’s Health, Oregon Health & Science University https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/brief-history-midwifery-america)