Marginalising Midwives: From Witchcraft to Scapegoat

Recent reports concerning maternity service provision in England have identified a work culture that has led to poor practice. Bullying, intimidation and poor leadership have fostered a service that works within a culture of blame. Midwives are leaving the profession citing the aforementioned as reasons for this, with stress and burnout a significant contributor. Looking back in the history books, it is clear that midwives have been blamed across time. Although no longer burned at the stake, the midwifery profession still appears to bear the brunt of maternity services’ ills.