American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) strongly opposes the practice of
separating members of migrant and asylum-seeking families, or any families. "Isolating
children in this manner is morally wrong, abusive, induces trauma and
chronic stress and has lifelong health implications," stated Susan Stone, CNM,
DNSc, FACNM, FAAN, President, ACNM Board of Directors. "It is wholly contrary
to our mission to achieve optimal health for women through the lifespan,
promote optimal care of the newborn, support women and families, and eliminate
health disparities. We are disturbed by reports that a breastfeeding infant was
separated from its mother and that manipulative tactics are being used to
separate children from other family members."
ACNM
strongly recommends an immediate halt to forced separation and swift
reunification of these families. We support statements against separation
issued by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Psychiatric
Association (APA), and the American College of Physicians (ACP).
The
American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is the professional association that
represents certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs) in the
United States. With roots dating to 1929, ACNM sets the standard for excellence
in midwifery education and practice in the United States and strengthens the
capacity of midwives in developing countries. Our members are primary care
providers for women throughout the lifespan, with a special emphasis on
pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecologic and reproductive health. ACNM reviews
research, administers and promotes continuing education programs, and works
with organizations, state and federal agencies, and members of Congress to
advance the well-being of women and infants through the practice of midwifery.
REFERENCES
About the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM)
http://www.midwife.org/About-ACNM---American-College-of-Nurse-Midwives
ACNM Vision, Mission, and Core Values
http://www.midwife.org/Our-Mission-Vision-Core-Values
American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): Statement Against
Separation
https://www.aap.org/en-us/about-the-aap/aap-press-room/Pages/StatementOpposingSeparationofChildrenandParents.aspx
American Psychiatric Association (APA): Statement Against
Separation
https://www.psychiatry.org/newsroom/news-releases/apa-statement-opposing-separation-of-children-from-parents-at-the-border
American College of Physicians (ACP): Statement Against
Separation
https://www.acponline.org/acp-newsroom/acp-objects-to-separation-of-children-from-their-parents-at-border
Ed Lavandera, Jason Morris and Darran Simon, CNN. She says
federal officials took her daughter while she breastfed the child in a detention
center
https://www.cnn.com/2018/06/12/us/immigration-separated-children-southern-border/index.html
