Ontario midwives say there's growing interest in letting them perform abortions

Ontario midwives say there's growing interest in letting them perform abortions

"The association representing more than 800 midwives in Ontario says there is a "burgeoning interest" in allowing them to offer abortion services.

The idea was floated in recent months during discussions with the Ministry of the Attorney General and Health Ministry officials while the Association of Ontario Midwives was offering advice on the recently passed Safe Access to Abortion Services Act, which prohibits protests within 50 metres of abortion clinics.

Now the idea is "on their radar," Elizabeth Brandeis, president of the association, said in an interview.

"The Association of Ontario Midwives has a pro-choice position," said Brandeis. "We believe very strongly that reproductive rights, including a spectrum of choices around birthing, also encompass safe access to abortion care."

Midwives do not currently provide abortions anywhere in Canada. In other parts of the world, they play a role, including in France, where they are allowed to prescribe and perform medical abortions. In Sweden, midwives can administer abortion medications, and they counsel women through the process. They can also prescribe contraception. (more at link)


http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/midwives-ontario-abortion-1.4380297

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I would definitely like to see this happen, if properly implemented.
There are many rural areas, especially in the far north that abortion services are a distant and therefore expensive option for women.