‘Humbling and a proud moment’; Midwives in B.C. receive expansion of role, new medical privileges

Minister Josie Osborne made the announcement in Victoria, hailing the news as a way to protect and strengthen reproductive rights.

“At a time when reproductive rights are under attack, we will continue to expand access to safe and confidential abortion care and we will always stand up for a women’s right to choose,” stated Osborne.

“These scope of practice changes makes it easier for people to access safe, compassionate and timely abortion services closer to home, while also strengthening pregnancy care. As a rural resident, I know how essential this is for people in communities where access can be limited. These changes will break down barriers and support more people across all their care needs.”

Midwives in the province will now be able to treat miscarriages and provide a safe medical abortion within the first trimester.

“One of the most challenging things for someone going through either a loss or a decision like that is explaining the story again to yet another person,” Norman told CFJC News.

“The fact now we have that autonomy to actually provide that care without a referral to yet another service, where they have to potential wait to get in… rather having that timely access with a care provider they are already familiar with.”

The expansion will also see midwives be able to provide birth control to anybody, where previously they could only help until three months post-birth.

“Which is very restrictive when you are looking at the whole reproductive life cycle of a person who is planning to have children or even not planning to have children. To have access to that care is really important,” said Norman.

With more than 30 midwives who support maternity care in Kamloops, the changes should help to alleviate some of the pressures on the already laboured medical system.

Norman, who was Kamloops’ first midwife, has long advocated for an expanded role, and that will continue.

“I would love to see that reproductive care across the lifetime of a person in their reproductive health. And I would also love to see well-baby care up to the full first year of life,” said Norman.

by Michael Reeve

‘Humbling and a proud moment’; Midwives in B.C. receive expansion of role, new medical privileges

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