The implementation of a new midwifery support agreement, set to take effect November 1st, is triggering alarm within Germany’s midwifery community and raising serious concerns about the future of maternal care across the nation. The German Midwives Association (DHV) is warning that the agreement, intended to regulate compensation and working conditions for freelance midwives nationwide, will likely force a significant number of professionals to abandon their practices.
The core issue revolves around a shift from a payment structure based on births to a new system that calculates compensation based on minute-by-minute billing. While seemingly minor in detail, the change disproportionately impacts midwives who work under contract within hospitals – known as “Beleghebammen”. These midwives will only receive 80% of the new hourly rate, representing a potential 30% decrease in earnings for some.
The DHV spokesperson highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that these midwives have not seen a pay increase in a decade and are already struggling with precarious financial circumstances despite their passion for their work. For many, this agreement could prove to be the final blow, effectively ending their careers.
The prevalence of freelance midwives within the hospital system underscores the potential ramifications. Currently, over 20% of births nationwide are attended by these midwives, a figure that rises to a majority in states like Bavaria. The DHV is vehemently concerned that dismantling the economic foundation of these professionals will lead to a catastrophic shortage of maternal care in affected regions, placing an unacceptable burden on women and families.
Critics are already questioning the government’s understanding of the complexities within the midwifery profession and accusing policymakers of failing to adequately safeguard a vital public health service. The impending crisis raises broader questions about the government’s commitment to supporting essential, yet often undervalued, professions and ensuring equitable access to healthcare for all citizens. The DHV is now calling for an urgent review of the agreement to mitigate the anticipated exodus of skilled professionals and prevent a significant decline in the quality and availability of maternal care across Germany.
