The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives recently conducted a search of the home of Gloria Lemay, a self-described childbirth activist from Vancouver Island, in relation to her alleged unauthorized midwifery services. The search, carried out with the assistance of the RCMP, resulted in the seizure of evidence connected to Lemay’s ongoing violation of a court order prohibiting her from practicing midwifery without proper registration. Lemay has a history of providing midwifery services despite not being registered with the B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives.
The college, responsible for regulating the profession, has indicated that it will review the seized evidence and determine the appropriate actions to be taken against Lemay. Under the Health Professions Act in British Columbia, only individuals registered with the college are permitted to practice midwifery or use the title of midwife. Lemay, who has never obtained registration in the province, has been previously subjected to a permanent court order prohibiting her from engaging in midwifery practice.
Despite the court order, Lemay continued to perform services such as internal vaginal examinations, episiotomies, and amniotomies over the years. In 2002, she was found guilty of criminal contempt for assisting in 10 home births and received a five-month jail sentence. Presently, Lemay identifies herself as a birth attendant and midwifery educator on her website, which contravenes the limitations set by the B.C. Health Professions Act. Unauthorized use of the midwife title is considered a violation of the act.
The B.C. College of Nurses and Midwives has been actively addressing the issue of unauthorized midwives over the past few months. In a notice published last November, the college emphasized the risks associated with seeking non-registered midwives, including the absence of malpractice insurance and limited access to essential equipment and medications. Moreover, unauthorized midwives are typically not integrated with hospitals, which can pose additional risks during childbirth.
While the college has delved into 13 cases related to unauthorized midwifery, it is still investigating these incidents and cannot disclose specific details or names until the investigations are concluded. Parents seeking midwifery services are encouraged to verify the registration status of providers through the college’s online database.
CTV News has reached out to Gloria Lemay for her comments on the ongoing investigation and the recent search of her home. Meanwhile, the college continues to prioritize the protection of public safety and ensure that only registered professionals practice midwifery in the province.
