Changes in the field of midwifery are of concern to those within the health care system, the academic world and those whose lives are touched by midwifery care. This text reflects on the current situation and questions whether it is the most appropriate way of providing care for the childbearing woman. The book discusses what is happening both within midwifery as well as to midwifery as a profession in the context of social change. Topics covered include: * the evolution of the midwifes role * women's issues * the functioning of the midwife within the health care system * the effects of organisational change * the relationships of the midwife with the woman she cares for and with medical practitioners. All of the contributors to Failure to Progress are actively involved with the provision of care to the childbearing woman, and most are practising midwives. Together they build up a comprehensive picture of midwifery today which will be relevant to all midwifery students, practitioners and policy makers and not least to the consumers of midwifery care.