translated from Spanish: Midwives say that government instructions would reduce by 70% the functions they perform today

The midwives of the country mobilized again throughout the country for the second consecutive week, in protest at the government’s sending of a package of indications to the bill being discussed in the Chamber of Deputies to update the Health Code, and that in the opinion of the guild would mean reducing by 70% the functions they perform today. The activity was organized by the College of Midwives and Midwives, and in the case of Santiago a march was held with more than 300 professionals and students through the main streets of the civic center, ending at the headquarters of the former National Congress where the Constitutional Convention operates, an opportunity in which they met with some constituents.” We have come to tell the constituents, whom we thank for coming out to talk with us, that today the changes that the Government is proposing have constitutional effects that affect the sexual and reproductive health rights of women, and that it is important that they, who are committed to drafting the new fundamental charter, be aware of this threat,” said the national president of the order, Anita Román.La leader added that “our call to the government is to withdraw these indications, and until it does, we will continue to mobilize throughout the country, insisting both with our bases, to maintain this state of alert, as well as to talk with the parliamentarians, who have already set out to welcome us next week.” It should be noted that this action by the Government, to send the package of indications, not only did not consider four years of talks at a working table with minsal and health professional associations to update the health regulations, but on the contrary, the proposed indications restrict the work of midwives and even remove powers currently protected by the current Code.

Original source in Spanish