BUILDING THE NATION THROUGH WOMEN'S HEALTH: MODERN ...

1928, Robert S.K. Lim was elected president, and the Association’s emphasis began to transition
from social to scientific issues. The leaders were very public minded, and the association began
to influence the national health administration and its policies. They formed a committee on
public health that was active in prevention of tuberculosis, venereal disease, and cholera, and in
promoting maternal and child health. They also supported the central Ministry of Health in
implementing health measures and creating criteria to evaluate municipal health administrations.
The Chinese Midwifery Association was established in the spring of 1933 by FNMS
graduates with the goals of “undertaking research into the science and art of midwifery, the
cultivation of friendship among our fellow workers, and the promotion and development of
midwifery education.” 469 It was headquartered at the First National Midwifery School in
Beiping. Membership included all midwives who had passed examination, either in China or
abroad, and had been recommended by two or more members of the Association. Membership
came in three different classes: 1.) Regular Members, who paid regular membership fees of $6
per year, were eligible to make recommendations and attend meetings; 2.) Permanent Members,
who had paid a lifetime membership fee of $60, helped to promote interests of the Association,
give advice, and “strengthen the foundation of the Association;” 470 and 3.) Honorary Members,
who were advisors to the Association and included some non-midwives. Its advisors were Drs.
Marion Yang and Yang Baozhun. According to an FNMS annual report, the Association
published a quarterly journal beginning in June 1933. Unfortunately, there was no other mention
of this organization in any FNMS report issued after 1933, and I have been unable to locate any
other information on the Association.
469 “Fifth Annual Report, FNMS,” Appendix III: Outline of Organization of the Chinese Midwifery Association,
viii.
470 Ibid.
191