May 5th marks an important day in the calendar for midwives all around the world – the International Day of the Midwife. It is a day to celebrate the vital role played by midwives in ensuring safe and natural childbirth for mothers and their babies. However, this year’s commemoration is marred by the struggles and challenges faced by natural-birth midwives in many countries, including Brazil. These midwives, who advocate for natural birthing methods, are being targeted for their work. But amidst the adversity, people are rising up in support of these midwives and their cause.
Natural birth midwifery is based on the belief that childbirth is a natural and normal process that does not require medical intervention unless necessary. It follows a holistic approach, focusing on the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of the mother and her baby, with minimum medical intervention. This method has been proven to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates and promote a positive birthing experience for both mother and baby.
However, in Brazil, midwives who support natural birth are facing backlash from medical and legal authorities. In recent years, there have been several cases of midwives being arrested and charged with illegal practice of medicine for simply helping mothers give birth naturally. The most recent case is that of traditional midwife, Roseli Firmino, who was detained for 11 days and underwent a 75-day trial before being acquitted of all charges. This unnecessary and unjust legal action against midwives not only hinders their crucial work but also poses a threat to the health and well-being of mothers and babies who seek their services.
This targeting of natural-birth midwives is a result of the growing medicalization of childbirth in Brazil. Many hospitals and healthcare institutions see natural birth as a threat to their profits, as it reduces the need for expensive medical procedures. This has led to the marginalization and criminalization of midwives who promote and practice natural birthing methods. Despite being a well-respected and trusted profession in the past, midwives are now being pushed to the fringes of society, with their expertise and skills disregarded.
But the fight for the rights of natural-birth midwives in Brazil is far from over. People are rallying in support of these midwives, with activists and organizations voicing their concerns and demanding justice. They argue that midwives offer a valuable service to society by providing safe and natural birthing options, especially for women from marginalized and low-income communities who cannot afford expensive medical procedures. The support has also extended to social media, with hashtags such as #MidwivesMatter and #SupportMidwives gaining traction and raising awareness about the issue.
In addition to public support, there are also efforts being made to change the legal framework surrounding natural birth midwifery in Brazil. In 2017, the Brazilian Congress approved a law that recognizes the importance and legitimacy of traditional midwifery practices. This is a positive step towards protecting the rights of natural-birth midwives and promoting the well-being of mothers and their children.
On this Day of the Midwife, let us not forget the struggle faced by midwives in Brazil and other countries around the world. Let us celebrate their invaluable contribution to the health and well-being of mothers and babies and support their fight for recognition and respect. Natural-birth midwives are the guardians of the natural birthing process and deserve to be honored and protected for their essential work. As a society, we must advocate for their rights and ensure that future generations have access to safe and natural childbirth options.
