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CONFERENCE PROCEEDING
Reclaiming indigenous birth: Understanding the economic costs of obstetric evacuation and the social cultural benefits of indigenous midwifery in Canada
1
University of Calgary, Politicl Science, Calgary, Canada
2
Toronto Metropolitan University, Midwifery, Toronto, Canada
3
National Council of Indigenous Midwives, Midwifery, Nipissing First Nation, Canada
4
McMaster University, Midwifery, Hamilton, Canada
5
Western University, Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics, London, Canada
Eur J Midwifery 2026;10(Supplement 1):A573
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND:
KEY MESSAGE
OBJECTIVES:
1. Build an interdisciplinary research team and collaboration among local Indigenous communities and midwives, national Indigenous organizations, federal policy-makers, Indigenous scholars, and academic partners. 2. Analyze the economic impact through an economic evaluation. 3. Evaluate maternal and perinatal health indicators and outcomes.
METHODS:
1. Systematic Literature Review was conducted to gather data on the economic costs of obstetric evacuation. 2. Economic Analysis of federal(FNIHB) data. 3. Perinatal Health Indicators Study analyzed health outcome data from Ontario First Nations. 4. Community-driven Case Studies captured the cultural and experiential benefits of Indigenous midwifery. 5.Digital Storytelling & Narrative Engagement engaged Indigenous birthing people to share lived experiences. 6. Decolonizing, Indigenous Research design and analysis were led by Indigenous midwives and scholars, in partnership with Indigenous women's organizations.
RESULTS:
1. Indigenous midwifery proves more cost-effective than evacuation. 2. Health outcomes: Strong evidence of improved maternal-infant indicators with community birthing. 3. Cultural well-being: Qualitative data illustrates strengthened cultural continuity, emotional support, and community sovereignty.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our research demonstrates that Indigenous-led, community-based midwifery not only improves maternal and infant health outcomes, but is also more cost-effective. Through interdisciplinary methods and community-driven storytelling, the project highlights the transformative power of culturally rooted birthing care in restoring family, identity, and self-determination. These findings call for urgent policy shifts that uphold birthing sovereignty and invest in Indigenous midwifery as a path towards reconcili-ACTION.
KEY MESSAGE
OBJECTIVES:
1. Build an interdisciplinary research team and collaboration among local Indigenous communities and midwives, national Indigenous organizations, federal policy-makers, Indigenous scholars, and academic partners. 2. Analyze the economic impact through an economic evaluation. 3. Evaluate maternal and perinatal health indicators and outcomes.
METHODS:
1. Systematic Literature Review was conducted to gather data on the economic costs of obstetric evacuation. 2. Economic Analysis of federal(FNIHB) data. 3. Perinatal Health Indicators Study analyzed health outcome data from Ontario First Nations. 4. Community-driven Case Studies captured the cultural and experiential benefits of Indigenous midwifery. 5.Digital Storytelling & Narrative Engagement engaged Indigenous birthing people to share lived experiences. 6. Decolonizing, Indigenous Research design and analysis were led by Indigenous midwives and scholars, in partnership with Indigenous women's organizations.
RESULTS:
1. Indigenous midwifery proves more cost-effective than evacuation. 2. Health outcomes: Strong evidence of improved maternal-infant indicators with community birthing. 3. Cultural well-being: Qualitative data illustrates strengthened cultural continuity, emotional support, and community sovereignty.
CONCLUSIONS:
Our research demonstrates that Indigenous-led, community-based midwifery not only improves maternal and infant health outcomes, but is also more cost-effective. Through interdisciplinary methods and community-driven storytelling, the project highlights the transformative power of culturally rooted birthing care in restoring family, identity, and self-determination. These findings call for urgent policy shifts that uphold birthing sovereignty and invest in Indigenous midwifery as a path towards reconcili-ACTION.
FUNDING
1. Indigenous Midwifery Improves Health and Is More Cost-Effective.
2. Birthing Sovereignty Is a Human Right and a Path to Healing.
Poster session 2 (Group A)
| eISSN: | 2585-2906 |
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