Midwives across the ACT are being acknowledged for their compassion, commitment and professionalism this International Day of the Midwife.

Health Minister Rachel Stephen Smith said there are 725 registered midwives across the ACT.

“Midwives make an invaluable contribution to our health system, providing care to thousands of expectant and birth parents every year.

“Between 5000 and 6000 babies are born in the ACT each year, with around 30 per cent involving midwifery continuity of care in the public health system – one of the highest proportions in Australia,” said Minister Stephen-Smith.

She says today is also an opportunity to recognise the varied roles and contributions Midwives make in the ACT.

The International Day of the Midwife kicks off a week of celebrations for the Territory’s midwives and nurses, including tomorrow’s (6 May) ACT Nurses and Midwives 2021 Excellence Awards and concluding with International Nurses Day on May 12.