Facing ‘maternal evacuation,’ Inuit women on Labrador’s north coast want midwifery at home – CBC
May 14, 2024
Pregnant women in Labrador’s coastal communities often have to travel to Happy Valley-Goose Bay in the weeks before their expected due dates, but an Inuit women’s coalition is working to keep them closer to home.
Earlier this month, Pauktuutit Inuit Women of Canada released a report on the need for midwifery services in Inuit communities. The group says midwives — which have traditionally been a key part of Inuit culture — are an important asset to allow women to give birth at home, where they feel comfortable and safe.
The report calls for a national framework across provinces and territories.
“It is absolutely important for Pauktuutit to bring this back because it is a right for Inuit women to give birth in their home regions and it is something that is wanted,” said Pauktuutit president Nancy Etok. “It is an absolute tradition that Inuit have. They’ve been doing midwifery since forever.”
Read More: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/newfoundland-labrador/midwifery-inuit-pauktuutit-1.7202495