Opinions of physicians assisting births in Ottawa-Carleton about the licensing of midwives.

The Ontario Ministry of Health announced in January 1986 that midwives would be licensed to practise in Ontario. In September of that year we surveyed all physicians in Ottawa-Carleton who were assisting at births to determine their opinions on midwifery. A total of 78 (74%) of the eligible physicians completed the questionnaire. Almost half thought that midwives should be licensed. Most felt that midwives should be trained as nurses first and should work under the supervision of a physician in hospital-based clinics or in a group practice with physicians. A small proportion thought that midwives should be able to practise as independent practitioners. Some obstetricians thought that legalization of midwifery would allow them to concentrate on high-risk obstetrics, and some family physicians thought this would make it easier for them to continue to be involved in maternity care. Those opposed to the introduction of midwives did not think the public would benefit, and some were concerned that midwives would reduce the size of their own obstetric practices.