About CAM - Vision & Mission

CAM is the national organization representing midwives and the profession of midwifery in Canada. Our role is to unite, promote, support and strengthen the profession of midwifery.

We believe that midwives have a unique and essential role to play in the facilitation and preservation of normal birth through the art and science of midwifery.

We believe in the right of women to access quality care and to make informed choices, including choice of birthplace. CAM lobbies to effect the political change necessary to promote regulated midwifery as an essential service, including public funding and universal access. Our strategies involve education, advocacy and liaison with communities, consumers, midwives, other health care professionals and government agencies, both nationally and internationally.

We believe in a primary care model of midwifery that is community-based and collaborative. This model is founded upon principles of woman-centred care, informed choice, continuity of care and choice of birth place. We recognize and value the richness of diversity that is inherent in women, the community, and the midwives who serve them.

CAM takes a strong leadership role in women's health issues and the ongoing growth and development of midwifery.

Created by the Board of the Canadian Association of Midwives October 5th, 2002.

Purpose

The Canadian Association of Midwives will promote, protect and enhance the profession of midwifery and support midwives by, among other things:

• representing midwifery in Canada;
• promoting and protecting midwifery as an integral part of the health care system in Canada;
• promoting the inclusion of midwifery as a funded and self-regulating health profession in all provinces and territories in Canada;
• promoting and facilitating inter-provincial/territorial reciprocity for registered midwives in Canada;
• coordinating communication among professional midwifery associations and midwives across Canada;
• providing information about midwifery to the public, governments and other health professionals;
• participating in the regular review of Canadian midwifery education programmes;
• promoting and/or providing opportunities for continuing education;
• developing clinical practice guidelines which are evidence-based;
• promoting and supporting research in midwifery; and
• representing Canadian midwifery in the international midwifery community.

The Canadian Association of Midwives will advocate for high quality maternity and newborn services in Canada by:

• promoting universal access to midwifery care for all women in Canada;
• promoting continuity of care, informed choice, choice of birthplace;
• developing policies and position statements for midwifery, and maternal and newborn care in Canada; and
• reviewing policies and position statements developed by Canadian and international organizations for maternal and newborn care.