Christine Rivett

Amy Christine Rivett (28 February 1891 – 14 July 1962) was an Australian medical practitioner. Known as Christine Rivett, she was a birth control advocate. Early life and education Amy Christine Rivett was born at Yarrawonga, Victoria on 28 February 1891. She was the sixth child of Elizabeth Mary Ann (née Cherbury) and Reverend Albert Rivett, a Congregational pastor and pacifist. She was educated at Sydney Girls High School and then studied medicine at the University of Sydney, graduating with a bachelor of medicine in 1915 and master of surgery in 1918. Career Following her graduation in 1915, Rivett volunteered to serve in World War I but her offer was refused as women doctors were not accepted by the Australian government. Instead she was appointed resident medical officer at the Hospital for Sick Children in Brisbane. In 1917 she transferred to Brisbane General Hospital as resident medical officer and then to the Lady Bowen Hospital a year later in the same role. Part of her job as municipal medical officer was to monitor the health of prostitutes and inspect brothels.