Mexico Resistant to Allowing Professional Midwives to Work Independently Paul Robertson - FIGO
go to original January 4, 2013

2011 was a monumental year for professional midwifery in Mexico. A new law passed the Mexican Senate 99 to 0, recognizing midwifery as a profession, and including professional midwives in the public health sector. (brownbear2536)

Many people in Mexico are against the idea of allowing professional midwives to act independently, an expert has noted.

According to Dr Dylis Walker, an obstetrics specialist from the US, there is "huge resistance" in the country to the notion of putting midwives on the same level as a physician, Fronteras reports.

This, she said, is leading to some conflicts arising in those places where professional midwives are already being deployed, as they are going through a "period of transition and adjustment".

However, Dr Walker stated that ultimately, they have been able to establish a "mutually beneficial relationship", which is good both for healthcare professionals and their patients.

"In the end, the ones who benefit are the women and their babies," she commented.

Nevertheless, Dr Walker noted that the friction that has arisen throughout the transition period suggests the public health system in Mexico is not yet ready to support the rollout of professional midwives who are regarded as highly as doctors.

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!