September 29 - October 5, 2019: Midwifery Week

WHEREAS, this year, National Midwifery Week is celebrated during the week of September 29^th to October 5^th, 2019; and,

 

WHEREAS, the national organization, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, is the official organization for the nearly 12,000 certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives throughout the United States and the official sponsors of National Midwifery Week on a national level; and,

 

WHEREAS, this national event is an opportunity for people nationwide to gather for education and celebration of the health care service provided by midwives; and,

 

WHEREAS, midwives have been a vital and growing part of the advancement of reproductive health in Michigan since the first Nurse-Midwifery practice opened in Hutzel Hospital in 1980; and,

 

WHEREAS, in Michigan, midwives are collectively responsible for 6.53 percent of all births; and,

 

WHEREAS, Midwifery Week acknowledges the important role midwives play in the lives of Michiganders; whether they are assisting with a birth, or providing personalized, reproductive health care, Michigan midwives truly serve the people of Michigan;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim September 29 – October 5, 2019, as Midwifery Week in Michigan and call upon our citizens to join us in recognizing our state’s midwives and the contributions they make to the health and well-being of patients and infants.