Right here in San Miguel de Allende, over 70 indigenous midwives from across the nation have come together for the “Guardianas de la Vida” (Guardians of Life) National Indigenous Midwives Encounter 2025. Coinciding with International Midwives Day on May 5th, these dedicated women are diving deep into the recently published Norma 020, a landmark regulation that recognizes and regulates their vital work, even allowing them to register their birthing centers as Casas de Parto (Birth Houses).
In a truly historic meeting, with representatives from all 17 Peace and Justice Plans of the country, these traditional healers are collaborating at the Centro para los Adolescentes de San Miguel de Allende (CASA) to understand and champion the implementation of Norma 020. The goal? A partnership between traditional and professional midwives, where the Secretary of Health, at all levels, finally acknowledges the invaluable contributions of midwives who have faced discrimination for far too long.
From the First Midwifery School in Mexico, Traditional and Professional Midwives Unite to Demand Respect, Autonomy, and Rights
“We are here to learn how we will implement this Standard, which will have a positive impact on maternal and newborn mortality rates,” stated Gabriela Cárdenas, a professional midwife who graduated from CASA. “Norma 020 prioritizes childbirth care in midwifery centers and the care of women according to their traditions, in addition to recognizing the fundamental role of midwifery in the health system.”
During the encounter, which brought together midwives from Oaxaca, Querétaro, Nayarit, Baja California, Guanajuato, Durango, Chiapas, Veracruz, Guerrero, Jalisco, and Sonora, traditional ceremonies from each region were held to begin the important work. The indigenous midwives voiced their concerns about the new standard, and these were addressed by personnel from the National Institute of Indigenous Peoples (INPI).
“It is time for the autonomy of a woman’s body, a woman’s decision about her body, and for childbirth and everything surrounding it to reach where it needs to reach,” declared Jesusa Rodríguez, a liaison between the federal government and indigenous communities. “That is, for every woman to be well cared for, as she wants, where she wants, and with whom she wants. This has not happened in our country.”
San Miguel de Allende, Through CASA, Becomes the Epicenter of the Effort to Recover the Tradition of Midwifery Nationally
This pivotal moment comes more than 25 years after San Miguel de Allende became home to the very first midwifery school in Mexico, established by CASA with the aim of preserving traditional knowledge and providing midwives with credentials that would open more opportunities for them.
The National Indigenous Midwives Encounter 2025 celebrates the publication of a standard that dignifies their work and seeks to reduce obstetric violence and maternal mortality.
After years of being marginalized and even discriminated against, with the health sector often hindering their practice, CASA joyfully welcomes Norma 020. This regulation recognizes the evidence supporting the benefits of positive, accompanied, and safe childbirth – culturally and clinically – for women, newborns, their families, and the wider community.
The new standard ensures that all families, regardless of their economic situation, receive the same quality of care. It also guarantees that women can choose who will accompany them during labor, something that was previously not allowed in many public hospitals. Furthermore, it promotes improvements in hospital care and the creation of community midwifery centers, so women can receive personalized and respectful care without harmful practices.
“The health service for birth and the birthing process has been dehumanized; births have become a business where 70% are attended by cesarean section,” shared Carmen Álvarez, head of the INPI representation office. “The purpose of this encounter is to publicize the standard and the rights it grants them as midwives, as well as to understand the needs of midwives in different states to seek the common good.”
This gathering in San Miguel marks a significant step forward for the recognition and empowerment of indigenous midwives in Mexico. Our town is once again playing a crucial role in shaping a more respectful and culturally sensitive approach to childbirth. Let’s celebrate this important movement and the vital work of these dedicated guardians of life! 🤰🏽🌱
