ABSTRACT
This chapter explains why and how midwifery culture has undergone changes over time. It was basically transformed into a biomedical model in the late 20th century, having been gradually disappearing since 1993, with the discontinuation of midwifery education and substitution by obstetric nurses, obstetricians and ‘doulas’. The culture of the ‘doula’ has flourished since 1996 with 100% hospital confinement being sought. Simultaneously, 100% caesarean rates and midwife redundancies are occurring. These errors have been made by health policy-makers because of a lack of foresight and lack of midwifery research. The following conclusions are drawn: first, there is a need for midwifery services. Second, the present predicament of midwifery in China is a product of state policies. The state’s responsibility should be to ensure the quality of maternity care and to protect the interests of women. It is essential for state legislation to be introduced to support midwives’ roles through a code of practice, standards, responsibilities and accountability. In this way midwifery care will become a real choice for women.
