Member's statement: International Day of the Midwife 2026
Member's statement by Mr Philip McGuigan on .
- MLA
- Mr Philip McGuigan
- Party at the time
- Sinn Féin
- Date
- 5 May 2026
- Type
- Member's statement
- Business
- Members' Statements
- Heading
- International Day of the Midwife 2026
- Assembly identifier
- Official Report component 5524313
Read the official Assembly record
Text
Today, on the International Day of the Midwife, I recognise the extraordinary contribution that midwives here in the North make for women, babies and families. Our midwives are there at some of the most significant and vulnerable moments in people's lives. Their compassion, expertise and calm presence provide reassurance and care to expectant mothers when it matters most. This year's global theme, "One million more midwives", is both a celebration and a call to action. It reflects a clear and urgent reality. Across the world, there are not enough midwives to meet the needs of women and babies, and that global message resonates strongly here in the North. While we are fortunate to have highly skilled and dedicated midwives, they are working in a system that is under significant pressure. The North remains the only part of these islands without a maternity strategy. The Renfrew report, commissioned by the Department of Health and published in 2024, sets out clear evidence that maternity and midwifery services require a regional, coordinated five-year plan. It highlights the difficult experiences faced by many women throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period; experiences that have affected their physical and mental health, their well-being and their early relationship with their baby. Despite the strength of those findings, progress on implementing the report's core recommendations has not yet begun. Yet, in the face of those challenges, our midwives continue to deliver safe, compassionate care every day. They do so while managing increasing pressures, staffing shortages and rising complexity in the needs of women and babies. Their commitment ensures that families receive the support that they need, even when the system around them is under strain. Recognising the work of midwives today is also a reminder of the need to strengthen the services that they rely on by improving working conditions, investing in safe staffing and ensuring that every woman and baby receives the standard of care that they deserve. As part of recognising midwives, I want to highlight an event that is taking place this weekend. On Saturday 9 May, there will be a special Stormont parkrun, here on the grounds. It is a wonderful opportunity for midwives, their families, colleagues and supporters to come together to get active and show appreciation for the profession. I hope to be kitted out and show my support to our midwives and the incredible work that they do. On International Day of the Midwife, let us celebrate their dedication, acknowledge the challenges that they face and commit to delivering the change that women, babies, families and midwives themselves deserve.
430 words. Text as published by the Northern Ireland Assembly.
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