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Laurie in Question Period

May 5, 2008: Midwifery Services

Ms Blakeman: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Today marks the International Day of the Midwife, but despite the evidence and the growing demand this government has made it very clear that it is not interested in including midwifery services under health care. The government has helped with midwives’ skyrocketing liability insurance costs, run umpteen pilot projects, and allowed that the primary care networks could hire midwives, but no coverage under health care. My question is to the Minister of Health and Wellness. Why is this government against including midwifery services in the public health care system?

Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, the profession of midwifery is going to play a very important role in the action plans of this government going forward. We have said on numerous occasions that Albertans have to accept that there are different ways of accessing the health care system. I would ask the hon. member to watch as we unroll our health action plans and where midwifery fits into that.

Ms Blakeman: I’ve been watching 20 years, and so far zippo. Next question to the same minister: as midwifery services are not publicly funded, why is the minister discriminating against lower income women, who are excluded from a valuable and desirable service because they aren’t able to pay for it?

Mr. Liepert: Well, Mr. Speaker, again, as I mentioned last week, we can talk about the past, or we can look to the future. While this particular member wants to talk about the past, that’s fine, but we’re looking to the future. In the days and weeks to come we will be rolling out some action around midwifery.

The Speaker: The hon. member.

Ms Blakeman: Well, thanks. To the same minister: given that the demand for midwifery services is soaring because hospitals are overwhelmed by capacity constraints and the recent spike in births, will the minister mandate that funding be available in each health region to fund midwifery services? It’s less expensive, and it’s in the future.

Mr. Liepert: Mr. Speaker, I only can say that as we roll out our health action over the next year, we will deal with midwifery. The hon. member will see what actions we’re going to take at that time.