Records of the RCOG relating to the foundation and development of 'Birthright' (later 'Wellbeing'), comprising the Presidents' collection of correspondence and papers as President of Birthright, the Honorary Treasurers' papers, agenda and minutes of meetings, accounts and publicity material.
RCOG records relating to the foundation and development of 'Birthright'
This material is held atRoyal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Archives
- Reference
- GB 1538 RCOG/D5
- Dates of Creation
- 1969 - 1979
- Name of Creator
- Language of Material
- English
- Physical Description
- 2 boxes
Scope and Content
Administrative / Biographical History
In 1964, obstetrician Professor Will Nixon set up the 'Childbirth Research Centre', after witnessing the grief of a young man whose wife had died during childbirth. Professor Nixon was director of the department of obstetrics and gynaecology at University College Hospital, London for over twenty years. Leading members of the medical profession including Lord Brain, Sir John Peel, Professor Dugald Baird and Sir George Pinker founded CRC as a registered charity in October 1964. They were very disturbed by the lack of scientific and medical research into the causes and prevention of abnormalities in pregnancy, childbirth and infancy.
In 1972, the name was changed to “Birthright” – The National Fund for Childbirth Research” in order to reflect the national activities of the charity both in terms of fundraising and research. In April 1975 Birthright agreed to work with The Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) to improve women’s health. Birthright worked in partnership with the RCOG as a fundraising and research organisation to promote research in obstetrics and gynaecology and related subjects, particularly research into the prevention of birth defects.
Access Information
Open to research
Custodial History
These records were removed from the papers of College Presidents and grouped because of their subject matter, prior to transfer to the Archives.