midwives

Amendments to the Midwifery Act in the province could allow midwives more flexibility.

The proposed changes were introduced in the legislature this week.

If passed, they would allow student midwives the ability to train in New Brunswick.

These modifications would also allow the scope of practice to include care, assessment and monitoring throughout childbearing years.

“Midwives play an essential role in supporting people through pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period, offering safe, high-quality, compassionate care every step of the way,” said Health Minister John Dornan. “By updating our legislation, we’re helping ensure midwives can continue meeting the needs of our communities, now and in the years ahead.”

In addition, the proposed changes would update the size and makeup of the Midwifery Council of New Brunswick by allowing one to four public members who have never practised midwifery. This would strengthen public representation while maintaining the professional expertise needed for effective clinical regulation.

“As the regulator, our job is to protect the public,” said Kandise Brown, the council’s executive director and registrar. “Updating the Midwifery Act helps ensure midwives can do the job they’re trained to do while strengthening public oversight and expanding care options for New Brunswickers.”