Midwives Acquitted

March 21, 1991. In an historic 32-page decision, the Supreme Court of Canada ended the six year trial of midwives Gloria Lemay and Mary Sullivan by acquitting them on all charges.

The case began in 1985 when the midwives attended the home birth of baby Voth. The baby died from a shoulder dystocia complication and the two midwives were charged. The case has been before the Appeal Courts for four years and the final decision in favour of the midwives was a welcome victory for home birth advocates.

(The writers) interviewed the midwives at press-time.

Mary Sullivan “We are pleased with the Court's decision today. As well as the great sense of relief and completion that the end of this case brings, there is also a sense of a new beginning. I feel stronger and more committed than ever to safe, humane and gentle birth and to a woman’s right to choose the care giver and place of birth. I know that we would not have weathered this storm as well as we did without all the love and support of friends, family, clients and supporters. We are also very grateful to all our lawyers throughout the years our thanks to all of you who have been there with us and for us.”

Gloria Lemay “It may look like two women won this landmark case but the truth is that many, many people supported us behind the scenes and enabled us to be strong in the face of incredible odds. The Maternal Health Society has been there right from the beginning.
Our lawyers guided and took care of us like midwives. Our clients, friends and families never gave up. We have done something important and great we thank everyone who was part of making it happen. I love being a midwife.”

From Maternal Health News, Spring 1991, Vol.14, No.2

Maternal Health News will bring you more details of this Supreme Court ruling in the next issue. Subscriptions to the Maternal Health News are $12 per year for 4 issues. Contact Maternal Health Society, Box 46563, Station G, Vancouver BC V6R 4G8.

(CX5087)

Subject Headings

Home Birth  Midwifery  Midwifery & the Law  Professional Conduct  Professional Liability  Professional Negligence

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