Central American Midwives DVD

Thirteen traditional midwives from 5 countries – Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica – gathered together for 2 days in Costa Rica to share their stories as midwives in their respective countries. Their testimonies highlight the uniqueness of their work, the love and dedication of traditional midwives who still attend the majority of births in many parts of the world, as well as the injustice of the precarious conditions in which they are obliged to work. The World Health Organization (WHO) promotes midwives´ primary role in reproductive health worldwide; however, midwives in Central America work on the margins of the health care systems in their countries.

The midwives´ plea to be recognized for the value of their knowledge, to be incorporated and collaborate with health care services, to be adequately trained and equipped, and rightfully compensated, is timely and urgent.

This historic event took place in April 2004, and was followed by their participation at the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) conference in Trinidad and Tobago.

20 minutes, Spanish with English Subtitles.