Ontario Midwives - Press Releases

Ontario midwives recognize Equal Pay Day for women

2013-04-08T19:29:16+00:00

Date: Monday, April 8, 2013

TORONTO – Tomorrow, Registered Midwives will join other women across the province wearing red to raise awareness of the fact that women in Ontario are “in the red.” On average, Ontario women earn 72 cents for every dollar a man makes.

On April 9, the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) and other members of the Equal Pay Coalition are asking Premier Kathleen Wynne to proclaim Equal Pay Day an annual awareness day. They are also calling on the Premier and her Ministers to work with the Equal Pay Coalition and other stakeholders to develop, implement and resource a province-wide plan to close Ontario’s 28% gender pay gap by 2025.

“The gender wage gap is an issue that affects all women, no matter what kind of work they do,” says AOM President Lisa M. Weston. “The right of women to equal pay for work of equal value is an internationally recognized human right. It’s shocking that in Ontario in 2013 women still earn so much less than men for work of equal value.”

For women, earning 28% less than men during their entire adult life is the equivalent of working for 13 years with no pay at all.

Midwives in Ontario will be marking Equal Pay Day in the following ways:

by wearing red
by tweeting messages and photos to Premier Wynne
by signing and sharing an e-postcard to Premier Wynne
by updating their personal and clinic Facebook covers with the Equal Pay Coalition’s cover photo

Wage parity continues to be an issue for Ontario’s 600 midwives. A 2010 compensation review report commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and the AOM recommended that midwives receive an immediate, one-time pay equity adjustment of 20% to bring them up to par with their nursing and physician peers. This has not yet been implemented by the Ministry of Health.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 100 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to women with low-risk pregnancies. Midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth and provide care to both mother and baby during the first six weeks following the birth.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact:
Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
cell: 416-704-7452
joanna.zuk@me.com

Related links:

Equal Pay Coalition

Ontario Midwives and pay equity

Midwifery compensation report, 2010 (Courtyard Group)

Midwives deliver quality care for women and babies; value for Ontarians

2013-03-05T21:26:24+00:00

Date: Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Play video »

TORONTO, March 6, 2013 – Ontario midwives and their clients set up an expo at Queen’s Park today to highlight the quality care midwives bring to women and newborns and the value of midwifery care to the health care system as a whole.

The c-section rate among midwifery clients in Ontario is 15% compared with the provincial rate of 28%. The Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care estimates that avoiding a c-section saves the health care system more than $1500, mostly in hospital costs. If the provincial c-section average was the same as the midwifery rate of 15%, this would save the Ontario health care system $29 million per year.

Lisa Weston, the president of the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM), says the c-section rates for women in midwifery care are less than half the provincial average because midwives take a low intervention approach to birth.

“Midwives are skilled at managing and supporting normal birth. Our approach is evidence-based. We use technology judiciously – meaning that when care is managed by a midwife, intervention rates are low and outcomes are excellent. An approach that supports normal birth allows us to give women quality care and allows us to use precious health care resources efficiently,” says Weston.

One of the ways midwives achieve low c-section rates is by supporting women who are planning a vaginal birth after c-section, also known as VBAC. Not that long ago in maternity care, the saying was “once a caesarean, always a caesarean”, but research shows that VBAC is a safe choice for the majority of women who have had a previous c-section.

“Midwives discuss the risks and benefits of VBAC with each individual client,” explains Weston. “As primary care providers, midwives help women evaluate what birth plan is best for them and support them to avoid unnecessary c-sections, if possible.”

Ontario’s midwives are leaders in maternal and newborn health and their approach to care delivers both value and quality. Midwives have a strong vision that contributes to building a sustainable and responsive health care system in the province

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 97 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, almost 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

For more information about AOM, visit our website at http://www.ontariomidwives.ca You c.an also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

For further information or to arrange an interview or photos with a midwife or client, please contact:
Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
Cell: 416-704-7452
joanna.zuk@aom.on.ca

Newsletter:
http://www.ontariomidwives.ca/images/uploads/newsletter/temp_file_FinalOntarioMidwiveSpring20131.pdf

Midwifery-led birth centre to open in Ottawa

2013-01-24T17:56:23+00:00

Date: Thursday, January 24, 2013

Plan to open midwifery-led birth centre in Ottawa demonstrates Minister’s commitment to maternal and newborn health

OTTAWA – The announcement today by Minister of Health Deb Matthews that a midwifery-led birth centre will be funded in Ottawa is greeted enthusiastically by Ontario midwives.

Minister Matthews is delivering on a promise the government made in March 2012 to pilot two birth centres in the province. In December 2012, Minister Matthews announced that one of the birth centres will be located in Toronto.
These birth centres will be in addition to the existing birth centre located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta', which has been providing care to women and families since 1996.

“Midwifery-led birth centres are an innovative solution that use health care resources efficiently and promote excellent outcomes,” says Lisa Weston, RM, president of the Association of Ontario Midwives. “Giving birth is the main reason Ontario women are hospitalized, yet there is no medical reason to be hospitalized for a healthy labour and delivery,” says Weston.

“We congratulate Minister Matthews on her commitment to ensuring women and families have access to community-based care with midwives in birth centres,” says Weston.

Research has shown that a planned out-of-hospital birth at home or in a birth centre is at least as safe as a hospital birth for healthy women attended by trained midwives who are well-integrated into the health care system.
Birth centres also have the support of Ontario families. In 2012 more than 10,000 supporters sent the Liberal government messages advocating for midwifery-led birth centres.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 90 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, almost 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact: Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
Cell: 416-704-7452
joanna.zuk@aom.on.ca

Midwives applaud Ontario’s investment in midwifery-led birth centres

2012-12-18T14:23:00+00:00

Date: Tuesday, December 18, 2012

TORONTO – The Association of Ontario Midwives applauds Minister of Health Deb Matthews on her commitment to strengthening Ontario’s system of maternal and newborn health for Ontario families.

Today, Minister Matthews announced plans are moving forward to develop a midwifery-led birth centre. It will be in addition to the existing birth centre located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta', which has been providing care since 1996.

“Midwives are excited to see Minister Matthews’s continuing commitment to midwifery and women’s health,” said Lisa Weston, RM, president of the Association of Ontario Midwives. “Investing in birth centres means women with healthy pregnancies will be able to receive community-based care.”

About Midwifery in Ontario

There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 90 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, almost 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact: Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
Cell: 416-704-7452

More information about birth centres

Ontario Ministry of Health birth centres page

Midwife Vicki Van Wagner Canadian Health Leadership Award Finalist

2012-12-03T14:49:41+00:00

Date: Monday, December 3, 2012

Vicki Van Wagner, a Toronto midwife and advocate for women’s health, has been selected as one of the finalists for the Health Nexus 3M Leadership Award.

“I am honoured to be a finalist for this award, which shines a spotlight on the need to provide access to high quality health care to everyone, regardless of socio-economic status,” says Van Wagner. “I am passionate about midwifery and keeping birth close to home. I’m pleased that more people will become aware of these important issues because of the award.”

Over her 30-year career, Van Wagner’s work has revolutionized the health care system in Ontario and across Canada. Not only was Van Wagner one of the key figures in the push to regulate midwifery almost 20 years ago, which enabled women to access midwifery care paid for by the government instead of out of pocket, but she continues to be a leader in advancing maternal and newborn health.

Much of her work has focused on the social determinants of health, especially her leadership work in partnership with Aboriginal communities in Nunavik, Quebec, where she has tirelessly worked with the community to return birth into the hands of women and their communities – a simple act with profound impact.

In addition to her work as a practicing midwife, Van Wagner is a leader in midwifery research and education. In the past, she has served as the first director of Ryerson’s Midwifery Education Program and she is currently a member of the Provincial Maternal and Newborn Advisory Committee, which advises the Ministry of Health on maternity care policy.

“Vicki’s work serves as an inspiration to all midwives and those who work in women’s health,” says Lisa Weston, President of the Association of Ontario Midwives.

Van Wagner’s achievements, along with those of other finalists and award winner Noor Din, will be celebrated on December 6, 2012 at the 3M Health Leadership Award Gala.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 90 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

A midwife is a registered health care professional who provides primary care to women with low-risk pregnancies. Midwives provide care throughout pregnancy, labour and birth and provide care to both mother and baby during the first six weeks following the birth.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact: Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
416-425-9974 x2261
Cell: 416-704-7452
commsmanager@aom.on.ca

Contact: Melissa Potvin
Health Nexus
1-800-397-9567 ext. 2230
416-408-6904
leadershipaward@healthnexus.ca

Families urge government back to the negotiation table with midwives

2012-10-24T16:45:00+00:00

Date: Wednesday, October 24, 2012

While most politicians would revel in the idea of kissing babies, Minister of Health and Long-Term Care Deb Matthews may be avoiding babies this week. Hundreds of families have sent the Minister letters, tweets and baby photos as part of Ontario midwives’ “Back to the Table” campaign. These represent the 25,000 babies “born without a contract” since midwives’ contract expired on March 31, 2011.

Midwives first met to negotiate a contract with government on October 19, 2010. More than two years later, negotiations are completely stalled, and government has not met with midwives since May 2011 – despite repeated requests from midwives. Throughout this process, midwives have continued to provide care for moms and babies, working under the expired contract.

“We are grateful for all the support received so far in the ‘Back to the Table’ campaign,” said Lisa M. Weston, RM, president of the Association of Ontario Midwives. “It is clearly a reflection of how important this profession is, not only to the families we serve, but also to the health care system as a whole. It matters to Ontarians that midwives are treated fairly. It’s time for government to get back to the negotiations table.”

The Association of Ontario Midwives officially launched the “Back to the Table” campaign last Friday, October 19, holding a day of social media action. As part of the campaign, hundreds of people from all across Ontario sent photos of their babies holding messages addressed to the Minister asking government to return to the negotiations table with midwives. The launch also included a video featuring babies “born without a contract.”

Midwifery supporters continue to e-mail and tweet at the Minister, demanding that government sit down with midwives to negotiate a contract.

Midwives are compensated by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) to provide care to residents of Ontario. The contract that midwives work under is negotiated between the MOHLTC and the Association of Ontario Midwives. The current funding agreement expired at the end of March 2011.

During his recent resignation speech, Premier McGuinty indicated that he was proroguing the legislature to pursue discussions with labour partners. However, Ontario midwives have had no indication that they will be included in these discussions.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 90 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, 150,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than 35,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

CONTACT: Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
365 Bloor Street E., Suite 301
Toronto, ON, M4W 3L4
Phone: 416-425-9974 ext. 2261

Toll free in Ontario: 1-866-418-3773 ext. 2261
Cell: 416-704-7452

Related links:

Back to the table campaign

Statement from the Association of Ontario Midwives about Premier McGuinty’s Resignation

2012-10-17T14:14:21+00:00

Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) congratulates Premier McGuinty for his many years of public service. During his tenure as premier, McGuinty was an ally in advancing midwifery care in the province.

As part of McGuinty’s legacy, midwifery is stronger in Ontario than it has ever been. Since elected in 2003, the premier has supported great advances in the infrastructure of midwifery including: broadening the scope of practice for midwives; allowing them to prescribe essential medicines for pregnant moms and new babies and; doubling the number of the spaces available in midwifery degree programs to meet the growing demand for midwives in the province. During his term in office 32 new midwifery clinics have opened to serve women and babies across Ontario.

The AOM is also proud to have worked closely with Premier McGuinty in piloting two midwifery-led birth centres, an innovative solution that will curb costs while promoting excellent outcomes and keeping birth in the community.
The Association of Ontario Midwives appreciates the work Premier McGuinty has done in advancing midwifery in Ontario.

Stalled contract negotiations and wage parity commitments remain unaddressed for Ontario midwives but we look forward to working closely with new leadership to complete the negotiations process that began two years ago and finalize a contract for Ontario midwives.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Juana Berinstein, Director of Policy and Communications
Tel: 416-371-1468

Midwives prepare to lead two birth centres in the province

2012-07-06T12:52:23+00:00

Date: Friday, July 6, 2012

TORONTO – Midwives and families welcome the next step in building birth centres in Ontario. This week, the Ministry of Health announced an open call to create two midwifery-led birth centres. These will be in addition to the existing birth centre located on the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory, Tsi Non:we Ionnakeratstha Ona:grahsta', which has been providing care since 1996.

In May 2011, the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) launched the Ontario Needs Birth Centres campaign to bring free-standing, midwifery-led birth centres to the province. Research has shown that a planned out-of-hospital birth is at least as safe as a hospital birth for healthy women, and birth centres will offer safe, cost-effective care in a comfortableand supportive setting.

The campaign to bring birth centres to the province garnered support from women and families acrossOntario, and over 10,000 messages of support were sent to Premier Dalton McGuinty and MPPs. In March 2012, the Premier announced funding for two birth centre pilot projects.

“Midwives and families are looking forward to the addition of two midwifery-led birth centres,” said AOM Executive Director Kelly Stadelbauer. “Birth centres will give women another choice of birth place, in addition to home or hospital. Midwives are already responding to the news and have begun work on developing proposals.”

Guidelines, templates and an application form can be found by visiting www.ontario.ca/birthcentre The application process closes on September 4, 2012.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 600 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 90 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, almost 130,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than almost 30,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact: Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
Cell: 416-704-7452
commsmanager@aom.on.ca

Ontario midwives name new president

2012-05-16T16:11:05+00:00

Date: Wednesday, May 16, 2012

TORONTO – As a working midwife with more than 30 years of involvement in the childbirth and midwifery community, Lisa Weston brings valuable experience and leadership to her new role as 10^th president of the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM). One of her first goals is to continue to bring attention to the growing pay equity gap between midwifery compensation (a female profession caring for women) and comparable providers.

“Midwives earn between $80,000 and $104,000, falling well below the average salary for a physician in a community health centre, despite the fact that midwives provide primary care and are on-call 24-7. The wage parity gap between midwives and comparable professions jeopardizes the ability of Ontario to retain every midwife trained in the province,” says Lisa Weston, incoming President of the Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM). “Midwives didn’t get a pay increase for eleven years, from 1994 to 2005, and have never caught up with the increases given to other comparable health care professionals.”

A founding partner of Sages-Femmes Rouge Valley Midwives, Weston has worked as a registered midwife since 2003. Prior to becoming a midwife, Weston worked as both a childbirth educator and a doula and was involved in the provincial Healthy Babies, Healthy Children program. Her interest in midwifery began through her own experience as a client – two of Weston’s four children were born at home with midwives.

Weston will commence her term as AOM president at this year’s Annual General Meeting and Conference, held May 15-17 in Toronto.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 550 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 85 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, almost 130,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including more than almost 30,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

Contact:

Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Association of Ontario Midwives
Cell: 416-704-745
commsmanager@aom.on.ca

Midwife Bridget Lynch is named a Toronto YWCA Woman of Distinction

2012-05-15T15:56:10+00:00

Date: Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Toronto – Bridget Lynch, a Toronto midwife and international leader in reducing maternal-newborn mortality, has been honoured with a Toronto YWCA Women of Distinction Award for 2012 in the category of Health Care.

Bridget Lynch has worked for more than 25 years to improve the health of women and babies in Ontario and internationally. She was at the forefront of the movement to fund midwifery in the province, and was part of the first group of midwives to be recognized when the profession was regulated in 1994. She went on to become a founding member of the Canadian Association of Midwives, and is a past President of the Association of Ontario Midwives. She played an important part in the 2010 federal all-party resolution to make maternal and newborn health a priority at the G8 summit. Lynch continues to provide midwifery care to women and families through her Toronto practice, and is also a member of the Midwifery Education Program faculty at McMaster.

From 2008 to 2011, she was President of the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM), a global group which represents 250,000 midwives in more than 100 countries, and worked to see midwives recognized as critical to reducing maternal-child mortality worldwide. Under her leadership, the ICM developed international standards for midwives, now recognized by the World Health Organization, which help governments develop high-quality midwifery services.

“Being named as a Woman of Distinction by the YWCA is a tremendous honour,” says Lynch. “It is given by women to women, and it recognizes the importance of improving the lives of women in Toronto and beyond. Just like midwifery, the YWCA creates woman-centred solutions which gives the necessary support so that women can transform their own lives.”

Bridget Lynch will accept the award at a YWCA gala fundraiser dinner on May 16, 2012.

About Midwifery in Ontario
There are more than 550 registered midwives in Ontario, serving communities in 85 clinics across the province. Midwives have privileges at most Ontario hospitals. Since midwifery became a regulated health profession in 1994, more than 130,000 babies have been born under midwifery care, including 30,000 births at home.

The Association of Ontario Midwives is the professional organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Ontario.

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For more information, or to set up an interview with Bridget Lynch, please contact:

Joanna Zuk, Communications Manager
Office: 416-425-9974 ext. 2261
Cell: 416-704-7452
Email: commsmanager@aom.on.ca