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Midwifery Services in Canada

2008:02PU MIDWIFERY SERVICES IN CANADA

Whereas 1

  • In 1986, the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC) urged the Government of Canada to approve the legalization of midwifery.

Whereas 2

  • Midwifery services are safe and cost-effective for women and infants during pregnancy and birth.

Whereas 3

  • Not all provinces and territories have legalized midwifery or completed the process.

Whereas 4

  • Up to 50% of midwifery requests go unfulfilled due to a midwife shortage.

Whereas 5

  • Only 400 midwives are registered in Canada, and midwifery education spaces are limited.

Resolved 1

  • That the NCWC adopt as policy that publicly funded, regulated midwifery services be established across all Canadian provinces and territories.

Resolved 2

  • That the NCWC urge the Government of Canada to:
    a. Regulate and publicly fund midwifery services in provinces where they are not yet regulated.
    b. Facilitate the examination and accreditation of foreign-trained midwives.
    c. Promote and encourage universal access to publicly-funded midwifery care.

Resolved 3

  • That the NCWC urge Provincial and Local Councils of Women to encourage their governments to:
    a. Include midwifery in health care human resource planning.
    b. Facilitate the examination and accreditation of foreign-trained midwives.
    c. Expand and develop midwifery education programs.