The Age of the Birth Certificate
When states began restricting labor by children, verifying a person's age became an important means of enforcement.
How a French Midwife Solved a Public Health Crisis
Angélique Marguerite Le Boursier du Coudray revolutionized childbirth in France through education, building a detailed birthing mannequin.
Why Male Midwives Concealed the Obstetric Forceps
The history of obstetric forceps shows the dangers of privatizing important medical know-how.
When C-Sections Were Performed to Save Dead Babies’ Souls
In 1804, Charles IV, King of Spain, issued a legal admonition telling officials not to bury any pregnant woman without giving her a C-section first.
From Home Births to Maternity Wards and Back Again
Once hospital deliveries became mainstream, mothers have had to make a choice: a home birth or go to the hospital?
