The Association of Nova Scotia Midwives (ANSM) is the provincial organization representing registered midwives and the profession of midwifery in Nova Scotia. Our purpose and mission is to provide leadership, support, and advocacy for midwifery as a vital part of the primary health care system.
ANSM will advocate for high quality sexual & reproductive health, perinatal care, and newborn care in Nova Scotia by, among other things:
- Participating in the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that promote the health of pregnant or childbearing people and families;
- Collaborating in initiatives to build capacity among primary care providers and ensure the sustainability of high quality sexual & reproductive health services, perinatal care, and newborn care;
- Advocating for accessible, high quality sexual & reproductive health services, perinatal care, and newborn care in all communities;
- Promoting the use of evidence-based guidelines in clinical practice and the development of evidence-based, midwifery-led clinical practice guidelines;
- Promoting anti-racist, equitable, high quality sexual & reproductive health, perinatal care, and newborn care that meets the diverse needs of people, families, and communities;
- Supporting midwives through various activities including but not limited to the provision of professional liability insurance, professional development, peer-to-peer support, and mentorship;
- Representing and advocating for midwives, the profession of midwifery, and the growth of midwifery in Nova Scotia to relevant stakeholders including but not limited to government, employers, media, and the public.
The ANSM believes that midwifery is fundamental to primary health care and high quality perinatal and newborn services. Our vision and goal is to make midwifery care available and accessible to all families in the province, especially those who are most vulnerable.
Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia
The Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia (MRCNS) is the regulatory authority for midwifery in the province. The MRCNS is responsible for registering and licensing Nova Scotia midwives and maintaining standards and policies for safe and ethical professional practice. The philosophy and standards of midwifery practice can be found here.
History of midwifery in Nova Scotia
The history of midwifery in Nova Scotia goes back as long as there have been Indigenous people on this land. Present-day midwifery grew out of 20th century social movements for human rights and health care choices.
1992: The Association of Nova Scotia Midwives (ANSM) was formed to support midwifery practice and advocate for the recognition and regulation of midwifery in the province.
1997: The Reproductive Care Program of Nova Scotia released a report on the potential for midwifery after a review of maternity services and needs across the province.
1999: A government-appointed interdisciplinary Working Group on Midwifery Regulation submitted recommendations for the regulation and implementation of midwifery in Nova Scotia.
2004: A Primary Maternity Care Working Group within the Department of Health provided recommendations on a regulatory framework for implementing midwifery in collaborative primary maternity care teams.
2005: The Department of Health developed midwifery legislation (Midwifery Act).
2006: The Midwifery Act (Bill 107) was passed in the Nova Scotia Legislature November 23rd.
2007: The Department of Health developed Regulations pursuant to the Act and moved forward with preparations for implementation.
2009: The Midwifery Act and Regulations came into effect with proclamation in the House of Assembly on March 18th. The Midwifery Regulatory Council of Nova Scotia was established as the regulatory authority. Seven midwives were registered and hired to work in model sites in Antigonish, Bridgewater and Halifax.
2011: An external review team engaged by the Department of Health and Wellness submitted a report on the status of midwifery in Nova Scotia, with recommendations for further growth and integration of the profession.
2012: The Department of Health and Wellness provided funding for two additional midwives at the IWK, for a total of nine positions in the province.
2016: The ANSM and midwifery consumer groups continue to advocate for the expansion of midwifery services across Nova Scotia.
2018: The Department of Health and Wellness provided funding for additional midwives in each of the three sites, bringing the total number of funded positions in Nova Scotia up to 16.