Djeneba Dosso

Midwives throughout Quebec will be gathering in the streets of Montreal, Sherbrooke, Quebec

City, Carleton-sur-Mer and Gaspé at 2:00 pm on Sunday, Oct ober 22 to contest the medical

subservience of midwifery.

Bill 15 was first tabled by Health Minister Christian Dubé in spring 2023 in the form of a

voluminous piece of legislation consisting of roughly 300 pages. The bill, which would change

more than 30 laws in the province, would also come with the creation of a new health

management organization titled ‘Santé Qu é bec’ under the purpose of making “the health-care

system more efficient.” If the bill is passed, Santé Quebec will aim to promote better

collaboration between professionals within the health-care network by overseeing all day-to-day

operations in hospitals and similar facilities. While the intention was to lift the burden on doctors

and to allow for more mobility with staff, over 10,000 midwives and health-care professionals

across Quebec have voiced their discontentment in an open letter.

“The year 2024 marks the 25th anniversary of the legalization of midwifery in Quebec and its

integration into the health – care network,” read the public address. “This legalization was the fruit

of many years of struggle for the recognition of this essential profession that centred on women’s

freedom of decision. Women have long demanded to be able to choose their place of birth, to

choose the type of care they wish to receive throughout their pregnancy, during childbirth and in

the weeks following.”​The letter expressed that the tabling of this bill without the consultation of midwives and their

clients feels like a step backward, which undermines “the very foundations on which the

profession was built and developed.”

Midwives, who value longer appointments with expecting mothers, deciding between pregnancy

diabetes screenings or ultrasounds and experiencing birth at home or in birthing centres, feel this

bill will impact the autonomous nature of midwifery.

“These and other choices are now under threat,” stated the call to action. “Placing midwives

under the supervision of other professionals who practice in a different and distinct paradigm of

care will encourage the growth of a pathological approach to pregnancy and childbirth.”

In response to the outcry and as part of the health-care reform project, Québec Solidaire deputy

Vincent Marissal tabled a motion in the National Assembly on May 5, 2023, to ask the

government “ to ensure that Bill 15 continues to guarantee these front-line professionals their

autonomy of practice.” Adding that Quebec should recognize that midwives have shown their

ability to “organize their services in collaboration with other professionals and with families and

communities,” in the course of the last two decades.

The gatherings on Oct ober 22 are intended to be festive, familial, and peaceful. Children will be

welcome and encouraged to come with sidewalk chalk, percussion instruments, and snacks.

Volunteer face painters will be present to decorate the faces of those who are interested. ​Throughout the afternoon, guest speakers, public personalities and organizers will voice their

concerns on Bill 15. Midwives will also be present to share their testimonies.

As the thorough study of the 1,100-article bill continues, midwives, health professionals and civil

society organizations continue to fight for its reform.

Locations for gathering in each city.

Montreal: 772 Sherbrooke Ouest

Quebec City: 758 Grande-Allée Est

Carleton-sur-Mer: 597-D boul. Perron

Gaspé: 179 Montée Wakeham (Berceau du Canada)

With notes from Mary Baskin and Lily Ryan