P.E.I. GROUPS EXCITED ABOUT MIDWIFE REGULATIONS
Health minister says act regulating the service in P.E.I. will be proclaimed this summer
Megan Burnside is excited P.E.I. women will have more choices when it comes to birth options when a piece of legislation soon comes into effect.
Burnside, a member of the BORN Co-operative, said Health Minister Robert Mitchell’s announcement that the registered health professionals act will be proclaimed in the house this summer is welcome news.
“We’re very excited to hear that he’s committed to proclaim the (act) this summer. It’s great news,” she said following the announcement that took place during a rally in Charlottetown on Saturday, which was the 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, said Burnside.
“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, and the advocacy group says the number of working midwives across the country is growing annually.
Midwives are health professionals who provide primary care to both mother and baby during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postpartum period.
“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.”
Mitchell told the crowd their voices were “definitely being heard” and that progress is being made.
“As minister of health, I’m committed to moving forward with our registered health professionals act,” he said. “The act will be proclaimed this summer.”
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 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, Mitchell 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.”