Midwifery in Canada.

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A further stage in the advancement of midwifery as a relatively new profession in Canada was marked earlier in 2003 when the Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada published a policy statement on 'Midwifery':

'The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) supports the continuing process of establishing midwifery in Canada as a regulated, publicly funded profession with access to hospital privileges ...

"... The SOGC ... will extend membership to registered midwives and offer them access to ongoing educational experiences.

'The SOGC recognizes and stresses the importance of choice for women and their families in the birthing process.... The SOGC endorses evidence-based practice and encourages ongoing research into the safe environment of all birth settings.

'The SOGC believes midwives should he integrated members of the maternity care team in their community and hospital Hospitals or regional health authorities responsible for maternal newborn care should continue to develop strategies to effect this integration, in consultation with midwives and other iutevested parties.

'The SOGC is confident that the integration of midwifery into the obstetrical health-care team is fostering excellence in maternity cave for Canadian women and their families, which is the goal of our organization.... The SOGC promotes the building of interprofessional relationships between midwives and other obstetrical care providers, in the interests of providing excellent health care for women and their babies.'

'La Societe des obstentriciens et gynecologues du Canada (SOGC) appuie la poursuite des mesures entreprises pour faire de la profession de sage-femme, au Canada, tree profession reglementee, financee par les deniers publics et dormant acces a la pratique en milieu hospitalier.

'... Les sages-femmes autorisees pourront...