Re: [ozmidwifery] Gloria Lemay

[Marilyn Kleidon]

Hi Rochelle:   I went to the Midwifery Today site but couldn't  find the  article in question on Gloria Lemay. I am familiar with her reputation as I have recently returned from the United States after living there for some 24 yrs. Gloria is one of the icons of North American home birth midwifery. This however does not mean she is without blemish neither does it mean she is blemished. Since I couldn't access the article, I don't know what she is accused of. What I do know is that Gloria has publically disagreed with the BC College of Midwives on their midwifery registration requirements. It is only in the last 10 years or so that midwifery has become legal in BC. In the process they have rather intense requirements for registration, some of the midwives who had practiced for years unregistered expected or lobbied to have previously practising midwives grandmothered into registration. This did not happen and many were required to undergo further education or at least supervision by registered midwives. I believe that Gloria was one who disagreed with this. She refused to apply for registration and worked at a birth attendant as it became illegal for her to call herself a midwife under BC law. I have read many article swritten by her that seemed pretty amazing to me. However since I couldn't access the article I can't comment any further. Also, all listers please note this is just my personal recollection of Gloria Lemay's situation in BC Canada.  marilyn ----- Original Message ----- From: Timothy Haughan To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Saturday, August 17, 2002 9:20 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Gloria Lemay Dear List,   I am a Mum to a happy, healthy 17 month baby girl.  We had a wonderful natural birth experience in a regional hospital with an Obstetrician whom I hold in high regard; he was patient, respectful and receptive to our detailed birth plan.  We also had our fantastic and very knowledgeable CBE present who supported me like some kind of Earth Angel throughout the entire birth process and the ensuing weeks.  In fact, it is she who inspired me to pursue a life serving women as a CBE and possibly a midwife.   Recently, I was surfing the net and was amazed at the incredible reserve of information devoted to Midwifery.  One particular site caught my eye - www.midwiferytoday.com  I am seeking input in relation to one particular post on this site pertaining to the Gloria Lemay case.  Apparently, Gloria, a Canadian midwife, is serving a prison sentence as a reseult of legal action initiated by the British Columbian College of Midwives.  Representatives of this college alleged that Gloria had been negligent while assisting in a number of births.  Apparently her demise, resulting in her imprisonment, was largely the result of one particular case - this case being the subject of this email.   This post was written by Marc Ramsden, the partner of the plaintiff.  Marc gives his account of the events leading up to, and during, the birth of their baby son.  Based on his version of events, one finds it difficult to reserve any sympathy for Gloria Lemay's cause.  I think that Gloria's actions, if what Marc says is accurate, constitute gross misconduct and negligence.  But despite the horror of the events described, I cannot help feeling perplexed.   Further investigation of this case, via other web sites, reveals a significant level of support for Gloria Lemay.  It is explained that Gloria has caught over 1000 babies (in a career spanning approx 20 years) and that many of her past clients have been more than happy with her services.  Further, I learnt that Lemay has a large following worldwide within the midwifery movement.                             How then, can such a highly respected and experienced proponent of midwifery be accused of acts that are so obviously negligent.  Are the facts presented by Marc Ramseden inaccurate?  Did Gloria burn out and therefore act out of character?  Or is this a witch hunt?  How is Gloria Lemay perceived in Australian birth circles?   Please read the post in question at the aforementioned site; go to All Forums, then Legal Battles and Birth Politics, then go to Midwife Gloria Lemay's Legal Battles, and finally the entry by Marc (7:17, 16th August) on page 3.  I will appreciate any further input on this issue.    Thankyou    Rochelle