Born: 1842 (Bouillarges, France)
Biography:
Madeleine Alexandrine Brès, born on 26 November 1842 in Bouillarges, was a pioneering French female physician who made significant contributions to medicine and women’s rights. She is renowned as the first French woman to obtain a medical degree in 1875, marking a groundbreaking achievement in the field of healthcare. Brès dedicated her career to pediatric care, focusing particularly on the vital topic of breastfeeding.
Brès’s interest in medicine stemmed from her early childhood experiences. As the daughter of a craftsman in Nîmes, she often accompanied her father to the local hospital, where she received informal lessons from a compassionate nun. Under the nun’s guidance, Brès learned essential medical procedures like preparing herbal teas and poultices. These formative experiences kindled her passion for medicine and set her on a remarkable path.
At the age of twelve, Brès and her family moved to Paris, where she would later marry Adrien-Stéphane Brès, a tram conductor. Despite societal barriers faced by women in the 19th century, Madeleine Brès’s determination and resilience enabled her to pursue higher education. She drew inspiration from Julie-Victoire Daubié, who became the first French woman to earn a baccalaureate in 1861.
In 1866, with a steadfast ambition, Brès approached Charles Adolphe Wurtz, the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Paris, to request enrollment in the medical program. Wurtz agreed, but on the condition that she first obtained a degree in Arts and Sciences—an accomplishment she achieved in just three years. By the time Brès reapplied for admission to the medical course, she was 26 years old and already a mother of three children.
During this period, Brès highlighted the achievements of three female foreigners—Mary Putnam from America, Catherine Gontcharoff from Russia, and Elizabeth Garrett Anderson from England—who held nationally recognized equivalent degrees. With the support of Dean Würtz, Brès’s application was brought to the attention of Victor Duruy, the Minister of Education, who approved her admission. The Empress Eugénie also intervened on her behalf.
Before officially enrolling as a medical student in 1869, Brès obtained her husband’s consent. This step was mandated by French law, which considered married women to be the legal responsibility of their husbands. Brès entered the service of Professor Broca at Mercy Hospital and commenced her medical studies. The law enacted during the XI year of the Empire, known as loi de 19 ventôse, which allowed women to work, facilitated her admission. Brès’s fellow female students—Mary Putnam, Catherine Gontcharoff, and Elizabeth Garrett—all held equivalent national diplomas and bachelors in Arts and Sciences.
Throughout her medical education, Brès faced numerous challenges and prejudices due to her gender. She persevered, proving her intellectual prowess and passion for helping others. In 1875, Brès successfully presented her thesis on breastfeeding, shedding light on its importance and advocating for improved care in pediatric medicine. Her groundbreaking achievement as the first French woman to attain a medical degree opened doors for countless women to follow in her footsteps.
Madeleine Brès’s contribution to the medical field extended beyond her pioneering achievement. She dedicated her career to pediatric care, demonstrating a deep commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of children. Her research and advocacy for breastfeeding played a crucial role in reshaping attitudes towards infant nutrition and promoting optimal child development.