ABSTRACT
The first Midwives Act received Royal Assent on 31 July 1902 and came into force in 1903. The most important feature of this Act was the setting up of the Central Midwives Board for England and Wales. Certain women who already possessed a recognised qualification in midwifery, issued either by the London Obstetrical Society or certain lying-in hospitals, were automatically admitted to the Roll of qualified midwives under the Act. The hospitals wishing to provide training leading to qualification had to apply to the Central Midwives Board, and inspection was a prerequisite for consideration for approval. This was a considerable task, as established maternity hospitals that had undertaken non-statutory training were all anxious to be approved. Public interest in the midwife continued after the advent of certification and this was expressed by many comments, statements and letters to the general as well as to the medical press.
