Watch: Calls for a major expansion of midwifery services

The association representing B.C. midwives is calling for more funding in the wake of greater demand and a growing gap in maternity care.

Last year, about 17 per cent of all births in B.C. were done with the help of a midwife.

But advocates say about twenty rural maternity facilities have closed in the past decade, making it harder for some families to have access to quality care.

They’re calling for a major expansion in services, saying it will ultimately save the province tens of millions of dollars in health care costs.

The government says it will consider the suggestion, but says the money has already been invested to expand midwifery programs at universities.