The writer Heidi Thomas could have wrung entire episodes out of each of these subjects but instead chose to weave them into a single one for a terrific opener to the new series, which has set up plenty of storylines to see it through. It was another example of how industrious, and profound, Call the Midwife can be.

After 15 series, Call the Midwife can still delight and surprise.

Bra-burning antics aside, there is a pleasingly ruminative note to the opening episode, with two powerful storylines supplying the supporting structure.