Midwives Act—Berlin

Kai Tiaki : the journal of the nurses of New Zealand, Volume XVI, Issue 4, 1 October 1923, Page 168

Midwives Act— Berlin

(Notes from "Lancet," May 26, 1923.)

By a law recently passed, training* of midwives is to extend over 18 months — practical and theoretical — at a public midwifery hospital. Must attend 50 parturitions. Prior to admission to training-school must have certificate of health and good conduct and be between 20 and 30 years of age. After practical must pass theoretical examination. Practical training includes diagnosis of abnormal cases and at examination must prove on case or anatomical model. After qualification may not live where she likes. The law provides for distribution of midwives according to the wants of the population. In places where they refuse, to settle the Government may appoint district midwives at a fixed salary. The- law provides for a scale of fees according to the wealth of the mother. A minimum income is guaranteed to midwives, balance of fees not recovered from patients to be covered by the Government.

Midwife mast summon medical man m every abnormal case, and if mother and family refuse she must decline all responsibility and ask for a certificate stating refusal and report to the district m.o. Cases of puerperal fever must be notified to the D.M.0., and midwife refrain from other cases. Must keep a register, which will be checked by the D.M.0., who is empowered to examine the midwife's knowledge every second year. She must attend a three weeks' postgraduate course every five years at a provincial training-school. If she refrains from doing so without reasonable cause, qualifications may be withdrawn ; also for grave misdemeanour and unprofessional conduct. The law provides for District Midwifery Boards. Most important alterations by new law are the creation of a definitely professional body of midwives and the granting of a minimum income.