This study aimed to describe the historical and social characteristics of Brazil and Spain within the context of the Vargas and Franco dictatorial regimes and analyze representations about maternity therein, as well as their implications for nursing. This historical and social study contemplated Brazilian and Spanish written documents method as its primary sources. Data was collected from May 13th to August 29th, 2008. Data analysis included the organization and classification stages of the primary sources selected. As a result, it became clear that the glorification of women for their physical virtues, such as maternity, and for their moral attributes legitimated their honorable insertion in the public arena. Thus, as nurses, they were to reproduce the feminine qualities necessary for care in this same arena. The conclusion is the consecration of motherhood has determined possibilities and limits for nurse.
Nursing; History of nursing; Obstetrical nursing; Women´s healthy