Perspectives
There were biased opinions, but many people did not like the hospital as it wasn’t “valid”.
“More difficult to overcome was the substantial body of public opinion which resisted the hospital's humanitarian work because of a conviction that it encouraged vice and illegitimacy”. (Solberg).
The evidence is significant because it shows how the people of the community didn’t enjoy the Maternity Hospital. They didn’t like it because they believed it wasn’t in line with the standards or rules, and how it was almost a “bad habit” because the rules were different compared to other hospitals. (Don’t need to be married/be rich to be accepted). There was even a conviction about these accusations and it restricted the work of the hospital for an amount of time.
The local government was very happy with the new hospital as it was very helpful, safe, and a big advocate for patients, especially mothers.
”When established in 1887, the hospital was unique in the city for its compassionate treatment of unwed and charity maternity cases.” And “Concern for the welfare of women, and the physician’s responsibility to give medical care wherever it was needed.” Were two dominant forms of care. (Roth).
This primary source shows significant evidence because it shows how the locals were impressed with the hospital and how specialized and careful the workers were. Most hospitals only allowed specific mothers depending on their financial and marital status, but this Maternity Hospital accepted everyone, which stood out. The patients were well taken care of. This document states that the hospital was in good condition. The local government also mentioned how the good work is significant in both women’s and medical history. These things show how the government thought the hospital was important to the society and that they thought highly of it.