In the state of Chiapas and in Mexico more broadly, Nich Ixim has made progress over the years in terms of amplification and recognition of its demands. Its agenda has been endorsed by the Chiapas House of Representatives (paving the way for the Ministry of Health and Civil Registry Office to implement them) as well as by Indigenous midwives across Mexico; the movement is now collaborating with one of the country’s main public health institutions, putting the midwives in contact with hospitals in case women require emergency care; and thanks to the movement’s advocacy, Mexico’s General Health Law reform now includes two of its agenda items: protection of the practice of traditional midwifery, and midwives’ right to issue birth certificates.
During their pre-UNPFII gathering in New York City, the coalition of birth workers received two official visits: one by Adelfo Regino Montes, director general of Mexico’s National Institute of Indigenous Peoples, and one by Dario Mejía Montalvo, then chairman of the UNPFII. Both expressed their solidarity with the midwives, emphasizing the importance of their work to advance the health and well-being of Indigenous communities for generations, and both said they were committed to taking the coalition’s proposals and to other potential allies.
Joining Nich Ixim in New York were representatives of more than 30 organizations, including more than a dozen WKKF grantees from the U.S., Haiti and Mexico. See complete list below. And click here to read a BBC article about the Nich Ixim midwives movement.
Following the forum, the UNPFII released its report on the 2024 session, in which it echoed several of the Alliance’s demands. See excerpt below and link to the full document.
