Immigrant & Refugee Care

All midwives in BC are searchable by community and language. Search for a midwife where you live in your language using the Find a Midwife search page.

• If you are a refugee covered by the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) you do not have to pay for midwifery services and can use the Find a Midwife search page to find a midwife registered with this program in your area.
• Midwifery services are covered through BC's Medical Services Plan (MSP). If you are not a refugee and have health care coverage through MSP you do not have to pay for midwifery services. To learn how to register for health care coverage, visit the MSP website.
• If you're not covered through MSP, your first step is to make contact with a midwifery clinic and discuss with them the option of paying for your care privately. Without health care coverage, you may be responsible for additional costs, including supplies, laboratory tests and blood work, ultrasound scans, or any hospital or physician charges including the costs associated with hospital births. You are usually required to pay a deposit to the hospital in advance of your birth.

Model of Practice

The midwifery model of practice in British Columbia supports the needs of expectant families in all contexts. Midwives can help newcomers to Canada make community connections and access available resources and programs. With their extensive training, midwives provide a level of care that is safe, individualized and accessible.

Midwives share a common philosophy that all people have a right to accessible, comprehensive midwifery services. They provide care without discriminating on the basis of race, ethnicity, political or religious beliefs, immigrant status, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation, or physical or mental ability.

Newcomer Resources

• Newcomer Orientation Booklet: Finding Your Way Around Our Health Care System, A Guide for Newcomers to Canada (PDF)
• Pacific Immigrant Resources Society (PIRS) provides programs and services for immigrant women and their young children.
• AMSSA nonprofit organization supporting immigrant serving & culturally inclusive agencies in BC with 3 program areas: diversity, settlement & health.
• Immigrant Services Society of BC (ISSofBC) helps immigrants build a future in Canada with ESL, settlement and career services.
• DIVERSEcityBC promotes the independence of new Canadians and to build strong, culturally diverse communities
• MOSAIC is a multilingual, non-profit agency dedicated to assisting immigrants and refugees with their settlement and integration needs.