November 12, 1999
(Health and Community Services)

Midwifery Implementation Committee established

The Minister of Health and Community Services, Joan Marie Aylward, today announced the establishment of a Midwifery Implementation Committee. The primary task of the committee is to provide advice on the development of legislation related to midwifery and the implementation of midwifery services in this province.

"Midwives have provided care to women throughout the world for centuries," said the minister. "The implementation of midwifery is a logical step in the continuing provision of quality health care for the people of this province."

Minister Aylward noted that midwives have a long history of providing necessary care and advice to women experiencing normal pregnancy. Many countries have recognized and regulated midwifery as a health profession. Canada, until recently, was the only developed nation in the world which did not legally recognize the practice of midwifery.

In the last 10 years in Canada, however, there has been a renewed interest in midwifery as consumers and health care providers have expressed concern about the increasing use of technology in the care of normal pregnancies and the limited teaching and support for pregnant women, and women in labour. In keeping with their philosophy, midwives can provide for women a choice of caregiver, control over their birthing experience and continuity of care.

Six provinces in Canada have already passed legislation recognizing midwifery, while other provinces have started processes of review with the goal of legalizing and regulating midwifery practice. There are presently some nurse midwives in practice in specific areas in the northern part of the island and Labrador. The organizations policies and procedures which currently covers them does not incorporate the potential scope of their practice. Also, there are a number of qualified midwives in other parts of the province who would like to work in their chosen profession. There is therefore a need to establish legislation to cover the full scope of midwifery practice and to regulate that practice in keeping with the direction also being followed by other provinces.

"Expanding the health care team approach, emphasizing collaboration among professionals, integrating the community and consumer perspective in health care services and promoting healthy lifestyles with less reliance on high technology solutions are all objectives which will contribute to our overall well-being," said the minister. "I am pleased to have a committee in place to proceed with the work that is needed."

The membership of the Midwifery Implementation Committee is comprised of representatives from a wide variety of organizations, groups and professionals including midwives, family practice physicians, obstetricians, obstetrical nurses, community health nurses, aboriginal representatives, consumer representatives, schools of nursing, health and community services boards, Newfoundland and Labrador Medical Association, Newfoundland Medical Board, Association of Registered Nurses of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador Midwives Association, Provincial Perinatal Program, Newfoundland and Labrador Health and Community Services Association and Department of Health and Community Services.

Media contact: Glenn Bruce, Director of Communications (709) 729-1377.

1999 11 12 4:25 p.m.