From the 4th century, midwives have been trusted to deliver children safely, but the 18th century marks the introduction of the medical men or the ‘man midwife’. Medical men in Europe disempowered midwives and lessened their rights and responsibilities with the increased necessity of formal education. In turn, medical men easily took over the profession. The transfer of power emphasizes the change in the practice of childbirth at this time. This had long-term effects on women's roles in healthcare, the medicalization of the practice, and the nature of childbirth.