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Support for Fijian midwives
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Posted on Apr 11 2005
I was greatly pleased to learn about Ms. Christi Omengebar’s signature drive to support retention of the Fijian midwives at the Commonwealth Health Center. I hope many CNMI residents will respond as one concrete way to show appreciation for the contributions these women make to the health of our CNMI community. On the other hand, newspaper reports of the Department of Public Health’s “putting its foot down” regarding NCLEX examination requirements for these women is both alarming and sad.
My support of the Fijian midwives is both personal and professional. Several of them are part of my parish. They bring a special vitality and enthusiasm to our faith community. More importantly, these women provide an unusual sensitivity and care to their patients. Like surgeons, nurses and other medical professionals, midwives of any nationality bring rare and unusual gifts of care found only within their sphere of work.
Do DPH and other officials involved in this matter really believe nurses or doctors can fulfill such a unique position in any equal manner? Hiding behind U.S. federal standards is yet another bureaucratic smokescreen. I urge DPH and other officials involved in this issue to spend more time talking with the thousands of mothers and families who have been richly blessed by the care they’ve received from midwives. I also urge DPH officials to be more honest with themselves regarding financial implications, community relations and common sense. CHC already faces tremendous financial difficulty. Why increase the burden? Let’s face it, the presence of so many Fijian midwives is a financial blessing in disguise.
Finally, I would encourage DPH and other officials involved in this matter to invite wider public discussion—not debate!—regarding this matter. Let’s look together for a helpful, reasonable and caring solution. The results will not only affect the Fijian midwives. It will greatly affect the health of our entire community.
Rev. Ewing W. Carroll Jr.
Pastor
Immanuel United Methodist Church
