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Midwives' rules: professional safeguard or relic of a bygone era?

It appears likely that, as a result of the dismantling of the system of statutory midwifery supervision by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, the Midwives' rules are also likely to disappear. This article explores the development and meaning of the Rules and wonders whether they are a necessary part of modern midwifery practice or an historical relic that no longer serves a purpose. It argues that they were designed to serve, control and discipline midwives and that there may be better ways for midwifery to delineate and develop the profession.