![](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives//PH_2408_item_3-Midwife_class_in_Salt_Lake_City (1).jpeg)
Early in the Church, women were called and set apart to be midwives and nurses. They received training from such notable women doctors as Romania B. Pratt, Ellis R. Shipp, Margaret C. Roberts, and Martha Hughes Cannon. Women also received training from experienced midwives, Relief Society classes and the Relief Society Nursing School.
Mission Founded
1873
Media
![Midwife Class, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1896](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives/PH_2408_item_3-Midwife_class_in_Salt_Lake_City (1).jpeg)
Midwife Class, Salt Lake City, Utah, 1896
![First Graduating Class in Obstetrics 1879](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives/First Graduating Class in Obstetrics 1879.jpg)
First Graduating Class in Obstetrics 1879
![Ellis R. Shipp M.D. Medical Class 1884](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives/Ellis R. Shipp M.D. Medical Class 1884.png)
Ellis R. Shipp M.D. Medical Class 1884
![First Female Doctors in Utah](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives/First Female Doctors in Utah.jpeg)
First Female Doctors in Utah
![Midwives with Dr. Ellis R. Shipp about 1898](https://history.churchofjesuschrist.org/church-history-people/bc/midwives/Midwives with Dr. Ellis Shipp about 1898.jpg)
Midwives with Dr. Ellis R. Shipp about 1898