Development of midwifery theory which started in the late 1970s has occurred on several fronts. The adaptation of nursing models to midwifery, the development of local models and care plans, the continued use of midwifery process applied to the individual and the introduction of standard setting and quality assurance have all played a part in creating a theoretical framework for midwives. This book discusses the issues surrounding the development of a framework and uses end of chapter questions to stimulate discussion.