Media Release
4 May 2007
Inaugural ANF Midwifery Scholarship
International Midwives Day is celebrated on 7 May. In acknowledgement of the important contribution of midwives to the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies, the ANF announced an inaugural scholarship which will enable a midwife to attend the 28th International Council of Midwives (ICM) conference in Glasgow.
The 28th ICM Triennial Congress is an international event attended by midwives from all over the world. The ANF IMD Scholarship will provide an invaluable opportunity for a midwife to gain knowledge and experience through a scientific and professional program run by the ICM and Royal College of Midwives, Glasgow.”
‘Midwives are recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO) as the health professionals best able to deliver safe, cost effective maternity services to most women’, Jill Iliffe, federal secretary of the ANF, said.
Ms Iliffe added: “Midwives contribute significantly to maternity care delivered to families in Australia. It is desirable that mothers and babies are able to benefit from this care, particularly in rural and remote areas. This could be achieved if birthing women were able to access the services of midwives through Medicare. It would be great if Mr Howard and Mr Abbott use International Midwives Day to recognise the valuable contribution of midwives by creating a Medicare Item number which allowed birthing women access to their services.”
The ANF, representing 150,000 members, is the professional and industrial voice for nurses in
Media inquiries
Jill Iliffe, Federal Secretary 0419 576 590
Ged Kearney, Assistant Federal Secretary, 0417 053 322