National Birthing Initiative for Canada

Currently, Canada is facing a looming shortage of healthcare professionals providing obstetrical care. Maternal mortality has risen, and women in rural, remote and aboriginal communities face increasing challenges during pregnancy and childbirth.

To help ensure mothers and babies receive the quality healthcare services they need during pregnancy and childbirth, the SOGC is calling for the implementation of A National Birthing Initiative for Canada. The SOGC developed the discussion paper below for an inclusive, integrated and comprehensive pan-Canadian framework for sustainable family-centered maternity and newborn care.

• A National Birthing Initiative for Canada

Partners

The following partner organizations have aided in the development of a National Birthing Initiative for Canada and are committed to its implementation:

• The Association of Women's Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses (Canada)
• The Canadian Association of Midwives
• The Canadian Nurses Association
• The College of Family Physicians of Canada
• The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
• The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada

The following organizations will be invited to participate in the further evolution and implementation of a National Birthing Initiative for Canada once funding commitments are in place from the federal government:

• The Canadian Anesthesiologists Society
• The Canadian Pediatric Society
• The Association of Professors of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Canada
• Regional Perinatal Programs
• Federal / Provincial / Territorial Deputy Ministers of Health
• Schools of Medicine
• Schools of Nursing Education
• Schools of Midwifery Education

The following Aboriginal organizations are committed to participate in the development and implementation of an Aboriginal Birthing Initiative for Canada once funding commitments are in place from the federal government:

• Assembly of First Nations (AFN)
• Congress of Aboriginal Peoples (CAP)
• Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami (ITK)
• Métis National Council (MNC)
• National Women's Aboriginal Association of Canada (NWAC)

Information supplied through SOGC website