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Midwifery education: A national perspective

Abstract:

In our history, the submersion of the midwifery profession into nursing can be directly linked to the medicalisation of childbirth. The traditional "with women's" role of the midwife is difficult if not impossible to maintain when the power base has shifted from the woman to obstetrical and nursing management. It is important to introduce measures to encourage and empower the Midwifery profession to support women's choices. Education is the key to social change. We must acknowledge that Midwifery education is more than a professional issue for us as health providers. Change in maternity care is a women's issue and a fundamental social issue. The purpose of the amendment to the Nurses' Act was to protect women and provide them with choices for maternity care. Our Midwifery education system must reflect this.

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direct entry education, midwifery education, midwifery profession