Call the midwife
Government announces act bringing midwifery to P.E.I. will be proclaimed this summer
A crowd of about 50 people attended a midwifery rally outside the Coles Building in Charlottetown in support of the International Day of the Midwife and hear Health Minister Robert Mitchell speak about the registered health professionals act which will be proclaimed in the house this summer.
A member of a P.E.I. advocacy group is excited women will have more birthing choices when a piece of legislation is soon put into effect. Megan Burnside, of The BORN Co-operative, said the announcement the registered health professionals act will be proclaimed in the house this summer is welcomed news.
“We’re very excited to hear that he’s committed to proclaim the (act) this summer. It’s great news,” Burnside said following the announcement that took place during a rally in Charlottetown on Saturday, which is International Day of the Midwife. BORN, P.E.I.’s midwifery advocacy group, has been looking for government’s commitment to move ahead with the legislation, Burnside said.
“Families are waiting for midwives, and it’s really important that we move forward so that, as soon as possible, we have access to this essential health service.” Midwifery is regulated and publicly funded in every province and territory in Canada except P.E.I. and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The advocacy group says the number of working midwives across the country is growing annually.
The role of midwives is important, as they are health professionals who provide primary care to both mother and baby during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period, she said.
“Currently, over 10 per cent of births in all of Canada are attended by midwives,” she told the crowd of more than 50 supporters.
“Globally, midwives play an essential role in promoting health and reducing infant morbidity and mortality.” Minister of Health Robert Mitchell told the crowd their voices were “definitely being heard” and that progress is being made.
The act will allow midwives and professionals, including acupuncturists and naturopaths, to apply to be regulated on the Island.
“Once the act is proclaimed, the doors will be open for registration, but I need to be honest with you, that there is a process here,” Mitchell said, adding a registrar will be appointed who will do an analysis of each profession that applies before regulation can occur.
Regulations will have to be written to include things like scope of practice, standards of care, code of ethics, qualification and competency requirements, he said, adding regulations will be in the best interest and safety of all Islanders.
“We want to do this, and we want to do it right the first time,” he said, asking for the public’s patience as the act is rolled out. “We want to work together and I’m confident that we can improve this service for Islanders.”