Alberta agrees to continued funding for midwives

EDMONTON – Alberta Health Services has agreed to keep funding midwifery services in the province.

The deal with the Alberta Association of Midwives runs until March 31, 2015.

It means expectant mothers choosing to use alternative maternity services will not have to pay for them.

Midwives have been regulated professionals in Alberta since 1998.

In 2009 their services became publicly funded as a way to improve access to maternity care.

There are more than 70 midwives registered in Alberta.