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Address to the New Zealand College of Midwives National Conference

Abstract:

Thank you for the invitation to address this fourth national conference of the College of Midwives. The very large attendance speaks volumes about the dedication of midwives to maintaining professional contacts, networking and working as a collective. These are qualities which have led to the profession in New Zealand making huge strides and, I believe, in establishing leadership for midwifery internationally...Midwifery has faced huge changes in New Zealand as in other Western countries. Had the dominant forces in the medical profession had their way in this country, midwives would have been permanently subjugated. Their places would have been as doctors' handmaidens, forever working under medical supervision - and never, never having the self-confidence and high self-esteem which comes from being independent professionals. Fortunately that was not to be. Irrepressible spirits kept the cause of independence and autonomy alive.

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autonomy, continuity of care, professional integrity, professional pride