October 2-8, 2022: Midwifery Week

WHEREAS, this year, National Midwifery Week is celebrated during the week of October 2 – 8, 2022; and,

WHEREAS, the national organization, the American College of Nurse-Midwives, headquartered in Silver Spring, MD, is the official organization for the nearly 14,000 certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives throughout the United States and the official sponsor of National Midwifery Week on a national level; and,

WHEREAS, this national event is an opportunity for people nationwide to recognize and celebrate midwives and the health care services they provide; and,

WHEREAS, midwives have been a vital and growing part of the advancement of sexual and reproductive health services across the lifespan in Michigan, and are collectively responsible for 8.8 percent of all live births in Michigan; and,

WHEREAS, midwifery care is associated with decreased pregnancy-related racial and ethnic health disparities; and,

WHEREAS, 2021-2030 has been designated by the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) as the Decade of the Midwife; and,

WHEREAS, National Midwifery Week recognizes the important role of midwives - whether assisting a pregnant person as they give birth, or providing personalized health care, midwives are truly dedicated and essential providers;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim October 2-8, 2022, as Midwifery Week in Michigan.