Ontario Midwives' Day Proclamation

We the undersigned do hereby request that you declare May 5th, 2004 "Ontario Midwives' Day" in recognition of the invaluable contribution midwives make every day to family-centred health care in Ontario.

In 1991, Bill 56, the Midwifery Act was passed and on December 31, 1993 it was proclaimed, making Ontario the first province in Canada to recognize, regulate and fund midwifery as part of the health care system. This year we celebrate 10 years of regulated and funded midwifery in Ontario! Although we still have a long way to go before there are enough midwives to meet the demand in Ontario, we have come a long way. There are now over 260 licensed midwives practicing in Ontario.

The World Health Organization has proclaimed May 5th as International Midwives' Day. To help celebrate this momentous event we are requesting you to join with leaders throughout the world in setting aside a special day of recognition for Ontario midwives.

Midwives are valuable to our community. In Ontario, midwifery care is based upon the following three principles:

Continuity of Care

Midwifery care is available to women throughout their pregnancy, labour, birth, and the first six weeks after birth. Midwives spend time developing relationships with women and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Informed Choice

Women are active decision-makers in the care they receive; midwives give information to help women make informed decisions.

Choice of Birthplace

Midwifery clients may choose to give birth at home or in hospital. Midwives maintain hospital privileges at many Ontario hospitals and work collaboratively with other health care practitioners.

We appreciate your help in honouring the midwives that have meant so much to our families by proclaiming May 5th Ontario Midwives' Day.