A REAPPRAISAL OF SIMPSONS INTRODUCTION OF CHLOROFORM

Objective: to examine the introduction of the use of chloroform in chi ldbirth, assessing the role of Sir James Young Simpson, the various mo tives for the innovation, and the health and sociological consequences for those involved in childbirth. Design: a review of the attitudes o f mothers, midwives, obstetricians and family practitioners, based on contemporary publications and subsequent historical analyses. Findings : the context in which chloroform was introduced was fundamentally imp ortant to its widespread acceptance in the UK, The use of this drug ca rried serious implications for the childbearing woman, as well as the practice and status of those who provided her care. Key conclusions: t he implications of the introduction of chloroform in childbirth were s hort, medium and long term. The changes associated with the acceptance of this drug may bear comparison with those relating to certain, curr ent, pain-control methods.