Why did the Faculty of Medical Sciences focus so intently on infant mortality? Here at the Maternidad FCM UNC, we stand on ground steeped in a history of concern for the health of mothers and children.
The Maternidad FCM UNC is part of the Faculty of Medical Sciences FCM. The FCM was founded in 1877. From its beginning, the FCM showed great interest in preventing infant mortality.
Early faculty and graduates of the FCM saw infant deaths in Córdoba as a major problem. They conducted research and promoted preventive institutions. These doctors aimed to change the child-rearing practices of poor women. They considered these women ignorant and blamed them for their children’s deaths.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the FCM promoted health measures based on eugenics. They aimed to improve the population’s moral character and increase its numbers. Students wrote theses on infant mortality. They viewed it as a significant barrier to population growth. Lack of breastfeeding was linked to digestive diseases. These diseases were a leading cause of infant mortality.
Several institutions were created with FCM supervision. These included the Casa de Niños Expósitos and the Hospital de Niños. The Consultorio Protector de la Infancia also existed. These institutions aimed to educate poor mothers in childcare based on eugenics.
The Libro de las Madres defined eugenics. It was “the new science destined to ensure the health and beauty of future generations”. This science was seen as crucial for a country needing a healthy population. The eugenic theory had support from Córdoba’s medical community. Academics worried about high infant mortality. They also noted a decline in births. This decline was blamed on poor social conditions and moral decay among the poor. Professionals felt they were losing the battle against depopulation.
Researchers sought social reform through public health policies. They aimed to transform society permanently. This approach was known as “positive eugenics”. It focused on improving social conditions. This differed from “negative eugenics” which supported forced sterilization.
Puericulture was a key area for applying positive eugenics. Puericulture is the science of proper child development. Eugenics and puericulture became linked. Their goal was to reproduce the population and raise healthy children. This task was seen as a duty to the nation.
The FCM adopted the eugenic interpretation of puericulture. The institution was founded in 1877. It aimed to modernize academics. It also aimed to create faculties for teaching liberal professions.
The FCM’s stance on public health and puericulture remained consistent until the University Reform of 1918. This movement responded to Catholic influence in education. It also addressed demands for university co-governance. The movement radically changed teaching at the FCM.
The FCM actively promoted puericulture. They spread its concepts and implemented actions. These actions aimed to increase the population and instill moral values.
Doctors at the FCM believed mothers were responsible for high infant mortality rates. These doctors worked to monitor infant mortality. They created healthcare institutions focused on educating women.
The story of the Maternidad FCM UNC reflects the era’s complex views on health. It highlights the efforts to improve infant health. It also shows the social and moral beliefs that shaped medical practices. Consider the weight of history as you pass through these halls. A history dedicated to new life and the well-being of families.