Midwives take on political leadership: Spotlight on Clare Hacksel, federal MP candidate in Toronto-Danforth
Date: April 14, 2025
Clare Hacksel, federal member of Parliament (MP) candidate in Toronto-Danforth, began her political journey as a midwife practicing in Toronto’s East End. While supporting her clients, Clare increasingly saw gaps in social supports- food insecurity, precarious housing, and cracks in the health care system for the most vulnerable populations. Driven to help her community and fueled by the legacy of midwifery activism that established the regulation of the profession in Ontario, Clare was nominated to represent Canada’s New Democratic Party in Toronto-Danforth in 2021, and again in 2023. Throughout her political work, Clare has been building community relationships, establishing partnerships and support, and working to understand the issues facing her community. Engagement has intensified following the recent call for a federal election that will send Canadians to the polls on April 28, 2025.
ESW 2024: Year in review
Date: April 8, 2025
The ESW program had a busy year in 2024! In November, the AOM released the 8th edition of the Emergency Skills Workshop manual. Updates include new content on equity and racial justice in emergency perinatal care, delayed cord clamping, bedside resuscitation, postpartum hemorrhage, anaphylaxis and unplanned breech in the upright position. The management of unplanned breech in the upright position is a new skill that was introduced in the 8th ed. of the ESW manual. After the release of the 8th ed. manual, all ESW instructors participated in upright breech trainings to prepare to teach this new skill set to all midwives at their ESW recertifications.
April is Black Maternal Health and Reproductive Justice Month
Date: April 1, 2025
Ongoing structural racism results in worse maternal health outcomes for Black birthing people. Midwives are encouraged to contribute to dismantling systemic racism including in midwifery, and apply a racial justice lens so the Black women and pregnant people receive care that is dignified, affirming, equitable and free from harm. Toronto Black Maternal Health Week events feature expert-led seminars, interactive workshops and community discussions, all focused on addressing the physical, emotional and mental well-being of Black women and birthing people during pregnancy and postpartum.
Association of Ontario Midwives to Leave X (formerly Twitter)
Date: March 11, 2025
The Association of Ontario Midwives (AOM) has made the decision to discontinue active engagement on X (formerly Twitter). This decision aligns with our ongoing commitment to fostering respectful, evidence-based discussions that support reproductive justice, human rights and equity in perinatal care.
A day to honour Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse People
Date: February 12, 2025
Each year on February 14, communities across Canada and the United States gather for the Women’s Memorial March to honour the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit and Gender-Diverse People (MMIWG2S+). This day offers a space to collectively mourn, hold ceremony and call for action.
Black History and Futures Month 2025
Date: February 5, 2025
February is Black History and Black Futures Month, an important time to acknowledge and work towards ending the racial injustice, erasure and oppression faced by Black communities. It is also a time to celebrate Black leadership, brilliance and contributions. This month serves as a reminder that ho…
HNUC Newborn OHIP Denial reporting tool
Date: February 4, 2025
As you may know, babies born to parents without OHIP are being denied OHIP at birth. This practice of blocking access to health care causes tremendous harm to families and strips babies of a key entitlement, in contravention to the laws in Ontario. The Health Network for Uninsured Clients (HNUC) ha…
In memory of Celeste MacDonald
Date: January 8, 2025
The following tribute was written by friends of Celeste. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Celeste MacDonald on Dec. 16, 2024. Celeste, a valued member of our midwifery community, leaves behind a lasting legacy that will continue to resonate with all who knew h…
In memory of Jane Erdman
Date: November 6, 2024
Jan. 16, 1956 – Oct. 10, 2024 The following tribute was written by Elana Johnson, former AOM President. It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Jane Erdman. She will be remembered with great fondness by the many clients and midwives whose lives she touched.
Midwives host education event for MPPs at Queen’s Park
Date: October 23, 2024
On Oct. 21, 2024, the AOM hosted an education event at Queen's Park. The event fell on the first day back for MPPs from across the province to the legislature. Negotiations Task Force members, midwifery clients and supporters, and AOM staff gathered to raise awareness about key midwifery issues, celebrate Indigenous midwifery, which has been on this land since time immemorial, and mark 30 years of regulated midwifery in Ontario.