THE MATERNAL FUNCTION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14700, 7 December 1909, Page 8

THE MATERNAL FUNCTION.

Tho following open letter on behalf of the women and children of New Zealand has bosn forwarded to tho Governmentjjy the Canterbury Women's Insti-

The members of tho Women's Institute desiro to approach yoi, on a mattter of wide importance to the life and health of the people of New Zealand. We aro' in possession of strong personal evidence that the function of child-birth in outlying country districts is ofbjn accompanied b y gravo difficulties and dangers such A3 do not exist in town centres. Tho S in f °f ? ! . (i "[° sl,ion « l aurso and tho arrival of the highly-specialised maternity 11UM have caused serious difficulties for country women in procuring pron&r attention, and semes during the -most critical and perilous time of their lives. Tho old typo cf unregistered nurse is becoming extinct through wiso legislation, and tho new type is not yet sufficiently plentiful to reach all the furthest cornel's of the Dominion ; hence a certain dislocation. m ? i >C u i'Weasing importance attached by all thinking persons to tho function of motherhood and its extensive influence on national life, w<s venture to call your attention to certain injurious effects arising from .distressed motherhood and then to suggest measures that niWit remove tho evils:— -

. I 1), Refusal of dutd-bcaring/. If childbirth bo attended by grave difficulties ami dangers over and above what the usual natural function necessitates, then women ,1 6ee * to avoid anl prevent it. Re. SUlt, a, joss of vital wealth to the com* lminity. (2) The mento! Mguia |, wifW u5 T*? ex i )W ' in = child-birth Without full attention and services may rcact on the unborn child, nrod,icing i„ it undesirable characteristics. Result,'a weakling thrown on the State. (3) Difficulties ino worries attendant on child-birth often i sa f' ro . us . effects upon a woman's mental and physical health, thereby weakening her moral influence and oont'rd over her young family. Result, ncjriecaed childhoodi a distinct danger to the nation, Dr L.aleeby, of Eugenie fame, fiays f In MIJ'S to come the value of the maternal function will'be more adequately appro* ciated by society, and thus a grea-t difficulty under which women labour will bo removed. It will bo perceived, for instance. that the pregnant woman is already performing arduous work of supremo importance, and she will be expected' to perform no more.' I venture to' predict, continues the doctor, ' that a part of tlio nractical rolifrion of the future will consist in something not far short of the apotheosis of maternity.' "Wo beg, therefore, to suggest:—(l) The establishment of St. Helens Maternity Homes in country (owns. (2) State subsidy to maternity nurses attending cases ill outlying country districts, such subsidy to be granted where the husband's incorno is the same, or thereabouts, ns that of tho men whose wives aro eligible for St. Helens institution:-. (3) State premium or bonus to tho mother on tlio birth of each child, subject, of course, to certain conditions. Wo {eel oonvinced that on the above subject tho Government of New Zealand will find rmplo scope for just and humane administration, and the reward reaped by tho community will bo « stronger womanhood and a heailhier ara) happier childhood."