Calgary rally calls on government to boost midwifery funding

CALGARY – Midwives and their supporters attended a rally in downtown Calgary on Wednesday to push for a boost in midwifery funding.

The rally was being held to address what supporters suggest are shortcomings in the province’s current midwifery program, including a wait list of 1,800 people looking for care from a midwife – and a funding cap from the government which only allows for 2,774 births assisted by midwives in Alberta each year.

WATCH: Concerned mother-to-be Eileen Vanier joins Global Calgary to explain why she helped organize a rally for midwives at McDougall Centre on Wednesday.

3:45 Calgary midwives prepare for rally

“We’re hoping to get the word out that we believe midwives should be funded through the same umbrella as doctors and family physicians, as they are primary caregivers to all these women,” rally organizer Eileen Vanier said.

“It’s the funding model as a whole that needs to change.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It's the funding model as a whole that needs to change."

The rally was held in front of McDougall Centre between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Sarah Hoffman released a statement on Wednesday reaffirming the government’s commitment to increasing access to midwifery.

“This government recognizes the excellent and efficient care that midwives provide,” Hoffman said in a news release. “Over the coming days, Associate Minister Brandy Payne and myself are meeting with advocacy groups and the Alberta Association of Midwives”

“We have a lot to talk about, and I know we share a desire to work together.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We have a lot to talk about, and I know we share a desire to work together."