Supporting Movements That Defend Women's Right to Health
Traditional midwifery is still alive in Mexico, and in other regions of the continent. Indigenous midwives are the primary caregivers for women's health in their communities. With their experience and dedication, they care for women, as well as girls, boys, and the community as a whole. In the context of the poverty and marginalization that a large part of the Indigenous population that both Mexico and Guatemala experience, the role of midwives becomes even more relevant, and often constitutes the only quality support a woman can rely on during her pregnancy.
Many Indigenous communities are far from population centers with basic public services. Health services are often scarce and of poor-quality, with Indigenous patients are more apt to experience discrimination that translates into mistreatment in the personal health-patient relationship.
Despite the importance of midwives, they frequently face roadblocks to their practice by health services, making it very difficult for them to continue with their work. This situation leaves many Indigenous women without options for quality care, putting their health and that of their babies at risk.
As a result, organizational processes have recently began taking place to defend the practice of traditional and Indigenous midwifery, in an effort to sustain their community health systems and to protect the rights of women. Global Pediatric Alliance accompanies efforts made by Indigenous midwives at the state, national and international level as detailed below to advocate for their right to practice, and to defend a woman's right to choose how, with whom and where she wants to give birth.
The Nich Ixim Midwife Movement of Chiapas
Representatives of the Nich Ixim Midwife Movement and supporting organizations gather during for a press conference
Since 2016, GPA has been accompanying the Nich Ixim Midwife Movement of Chiapas, Mexico, which is made up of more than 600 TBAs representing more than 30 Indigenous, mestizo, rural and urban municipalities throughout the state. The midwives have united in order to colletively fight for their right to preserve and practice their ancestral occupation of caring for women, in the face of increasing obstacles, discrimination and violations of their rights. The movement seeks to dignify traditional midwifery and heighten awareness of the vital role midwives play in the health of women and children in their communities. They also are advocating for improved and respectful health services and policies for Indigenous women at the state and national level, and are documenting cases of obstetric violence, and violations of women and children's rights. GPA is working with the represenatives and spokeswomen of this movement, and the many local groups of midwives throughout the state. Learn more about the Nich Ixim Midwife Movement at www.nichixim.org.mx
The National Agenda for the Defense of Traditional Midwifery in Mexico
Participants of the National Agenda convene in Mexico City to analyze proposed legislation that could impact their work and lives.
The National Agenda for the Defense of Traditional Midwifery arose as a response to the devastating effects the Covid-19 pandemic had on maternal mortality in Mexico, especially for rural and Indigenous women, and the vital role midwives played in caring for women and the larger community, without government assistance, protection or recognition. Midwives from throughout the country, academics and representatives of civil society organizations convene to share information and experiences, and define strategies for collective actions to improve conditions, policies and recognition of midwives at the national and state level, and ensure midwives have a say in the decisions and norms being made that affect their work and the lives of the women and communities they care for. The Agenda is divided into commissions that advance strategy and advocacy recommendations, which are presented at in-person & virtual national meetings.
The Continental Alliance for Traditional Midwifery and Birth Workers in the Americas
Traditional Indigenous Midwives and Birth Workers Convene in NY ahead of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues in 2024.