Ending forced birth evacuation in Indigenous communities

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) advocate to the Government of Canada, Health Canada and Indigenous Services Canada for a carefully planned transition away from routine obstetric evacuation contingent upon the development and funding of safe, Indigenous-led community birthing services and culturally appropriate maternal care in northern and remote First Nations communities; and

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that RNAO develop a nursing-led policy and practice framework to support nurses working in evacuation-based maternity systems, including training in trauma-informed care, Indigenous cultural safety, and advocacy pathways to support women’s right to birth close to home.