From this Monday, midwives can perform medical abortion and vaccinations for women and newborns.
Wise men can now perform voluntary terminations of pregnancy (abortions) by medication and vaccinate pregnant women and those around them, according to Decree published on June 5 in the Official Journal and entered into force on Monday.
Approved under the Health Bill, these proposals were supported by the Minister of Health, Marisol Touraine. The publication of the decree confirms these provisions aimed at extending the field of competence of the 22,000 practicing midwives.
Thus, the text provides that midwives can perform medical abortion if they justify sufficient and regular practice of this act in a health establishment. This must be “certified by the director of this establishment on documentary evidence presented by the medical officer concerned”. They can also prescribe a work stoppage of up to 4 days, renewable once.
In addition, their participation in the vaccination policy is strengthening. From now on, “they will be able to prescribe and practice vaccinations for those around them, from the mother’s pregnancy and during the period of 8 weeks following childbirth, in accordance with the vaccination schedule”, in addition to their ability to prescribe and perform certain vaccines for pregnant women and newborns. The decree specifies that the entourage includes the people living in the home of the mother and the child as well as those in charge of its regular care in this place. A decree published shortly will establish the list of vaccinations concerned.
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