The Midwifery Act, Bill 107, was introduced on Nov. 15, 2006 to incorporate midwives into the health-care system.

Doctors Nova Scotia provided input on the legislation surrounding:

• the birthing location (in a hospital setting or a non-hospital setting)
• a midwife’s ability to order or prescribe medications; and
• required training and licensing of midwives.

The association’s feedback was considered and some changes to the draft legislation were made before it was introduced.

More and more Nova Scotia women are interested in having different choices for care such as the use of midwives. Doctors Nova Scotia is open to the idea of introducing a properly established midwifery service and expects midwives to work closely with other health-care providers, including physicians. Midwives must be properly trained, certified and regulated to ensure patients receive quality care that meets standards.

The issue of home births remains a topic of discussion, especially regarding safety. Doctors Nova Scotia maintains the safest place to deliver a baby is in a health-care facility. These issues will be decided within the regulations which Doctors Nova Scotia is helping to develop.

The Midwifery Act received royal assent on Nov. 23, 2006.