OTTAWA, May 8, 2026
Action Canada welcomes British Columbia’s landmark decision to expand the scope of practice for midwives, a move that significantly increases access to abortion care and essential reproductive services. At a time when reproductive rights are under global threat, B.C. is setting a national standard for person-centered, accessible, and equitable healthcare. Action Canada calls on all provinces to follow the example of B.C., Quebec and Saskatchewan with expanding the scope of midwives to include abortion care.
The World Health organization recommends that midwives serve as critical abortion providers because of their specialized expertise in sexual and reproductive healthcare. B.C.’s expansion will harness their skills by allowing midwives to independently manage and prescribe Mifegymiso for medication abortion, perform diagnostic ultrasounds, and provide a full range of contraceptive care—including IUD insertions—at any stage of a person’s life. By integrating these services into midwifery, B.C. is removing the bureaucratic and geographic barriers that too often delay time-sensitive care.
"Health care should not depend on your postal code. B.C.’s leadership proves that when we enable registered midwives to work at the full extent of their specialized training, we create a more resilient and compassionate system," says Sarah Anderson Director of Domestic Health Promotion at Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights. "We are calling on all provinces and territories to follow this lead. If B.C. can bridge the gap for rural and marginalized communities through midwifery, there is no reason the rest of Canada should remain a patchwork of access."
Why this matters:
Health coverage is strongest when it is designed to meet people where they are and prevent small barriers from becoming bigger crises. Many B.C. residents still have to travel long distances to access abortion care or contraception.
“Access to reproductive healthcare is a fundamental human right, but that right is hollow without the providers to deliver it,” says Anderson. “By expanding midwives’ scope of practice, B.C. is meeting people where they are—in their own communities, through providers they already trust. This is what an equitable, affordable, and effective health system looks like.”
Why others should follow:
Health initiatives work best when they are collaborative, adequately funded, and flexible enough to meet local needs. Other provinces and territories should follow BC’s lead because this approach is practical, not just principled. When governments invest in access up front, they can prevent avoidable illness, reduce downstream costs, and improve consistency of care across the country.
By investing in midwifery and removing cost and service barriers, Canada can ensure everyone has control of their health, family planning and reproductive freedom.