Mary Francis Hill Coley

American midwife and public health advocate

Mary Francis Hill Coley (1900 – 1966) was an influential African American midwife and public health advocate known for her work in Georgia. She played a significant role in improving maternal and infant health care in the rural South during the mid-20th century.

Early life and education

Mary Francis Hill was born in 1900 in Baker County, Georgia. She grew up in a rural community where access to medical care was limited, particularly for African American families. Her early experiences in this environment influenced her decision to become a midwife.

Career

Sheppard-Towner Act poster from 1921

Coley began her career as a midwife in the 1930s, a time when the Sheppard-Towner Act had recently been enacted to provide federal funding for maternal and child health services. She trained under the guidance of "Miss Onnie" Lee Logan, a well-respected midwife in the community.

Coley's work as a midwife was characterized by her dedication to providing comprehensive care to mothers and their babies. She was known for her meticulous attention to hygiene and her ability to educate mothers about prenatal and postnatal care. Her services were crucial in a time when many African American women were denied access to hospitals and formal medical care.

"All My Babies"

File:All My Babies (1953).webm In 1953, Coley was featured in the educational film "All My Babies: A Midwife's Own Story," produced by the Georgia Department of Public Health. The film was intended to train midwives and educate the public about the importance of proper maternal care. It showcased Coley's expertise and compassionate approach to midwifery, highlighting her role in the community.

"All My Babies" received widespread acclaim and was used as a training tool for midwives across the United States and internationally. The film is now preserved in the National Film Registry for its cultural and historical significance.

Legacy

Mary Francis Hill Coley's work had a lasting impact on public health and midwifery. She was a pioneer in advocating for the health and well-being of African American mothers and their children. Her dedication to her community and her role in "All My Babies" helped to elevate the status of midwives and improve maternal health care practices.

Coley's legacy continues to inspire midwives and public health professionals today. Her contributions are recognized as a vital part of the history of midwifery and public health in the United States.

Related pages

• Midwifery
• Public health
• Maternal health
• African American history