Health & Wellness
Before the modern medical age, women within many communities served as midwives. In the late 19th century, the rise of formal medical training sparked a change: doctors encouraged women to give birth at hospitals, rather than at home. In the 20th century, medical authority was largely assumed by men until the 1960s when Title IX mandated that all federally funded school programs accept women.
Collection Objects
Learn the stories behind these objects or see more health and wellness objects from our collections.
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Freethinking Dr. Mary Walker -
Preserving Native American Traditions and Beliefs -
![Oil painting of Henrietta Lacks by Kadir Nelson. Lacks, smiling, is depicted standing in the center of the image. She is facing forward with her hands clasped in front of her body, holding a black book with gold-colored text [HOLY BIBLE].](https://womenshistory.si.edu/sites/default/files/styles/grid_x3/public/nmaahc-2018_25_001.jpg?itok=HL1wyjj3&c=b9125318055808d5f58005627efd1444)
The Controversial, Lifesaving Legacy of Henrietta Lacks -
Michelle Obama Taught Good Nutrition with the White House Garden -
The Pill Was a Game Changer -
Rachel Carson's Research and Writings Rallied the Nation around Environmentalism
Videos
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Justice Sonia Sotomayor was interviewed by Jan Smith, for the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Sotamayor discusses how managing type 1 diabetes as a child taught her discipline and creativity.
Smithsonian American Women
