Parents’ committees have been influencing and transforming midwifery services and birthing centers in Quebec for nearly three decades. Born out of a growing desire for autonomy in the childbirth experience, they have helped create robust community networks ensuring that care remains centered on the needs of users. Their evolution is remarkable: initially present in a support role, they have become activists working for a systemic transformation of perinatal care.

To understand the history, evolution, and future of these committees, we spoke with Christine St-Onge, a midwife and researcher whose recent work explores their role in the organization of midwifery services. Her insights provide valuable insight into how these groups have adapted to emerging challenges and the Mouvement’s initiatives to consolidate and amplify their influence.

The Birth of Parents’ Committees

When the first birthing centers opened in Quebec in 1994, midwives recognized the fundamental importance of involving users and their families in the organization of services. “Given the mobilization of many Quebec citizen groups for access to midwifery services, it was essential that users themselves contribute to the development of these services,” emphasized Ms. St-Onge. This approach led to the creation of parents’ committees—originally designed as consultative bodies—to adapt midwifery services to the specific needs of families.

Initially, these committees focused their efforts on the midwife selection process, the design of spaces in birthing centers, and the organization of community activities. With the gradual expansion of midwifery services, their mandate broadened to include evaluating the quality of care provided and actively promoting the interests and rights of beneficiaries.

From Community Support to Advocacy

Parents’ committees remain essential intermediaries between midwives and the communities they serve. While the majority of them focus on community cohesion initiatives (such as organizing thematic workshops and coffee meetings), many have evolved toward a role of advocacy and defending family rights.

Marie-Ève, an active member of a birthing center committee, highlighted the fundamental role these groups play in creating lasting connections between families. “We wanted the parents’ committee to be like the gateway to a longer-term community, so it wasn’t just a passing experience: we do our follow-up, we come to give birth, and then it’s over,” she said. This perspective illustrates how parents’ committees foster engagement that transcends the birth experience, providing families with a network of ongoing connection and support.

Ms. St-Onge’s research also highlights how certain committees participate in the process of evaluating the quality of services provided. “Some committees are also invited to participate in discussions on organizational issues concerning midwifery teams, thus helping to find solutions that are favorable to both parties,” she noted.

However, obstacles remain. Unlike official user committees in hospitals and other CISSS and CIUSSS institutions, parents’ committees do not receive any formal recognition in the Quebec healthcare system.[1] This lack of official status limits their influence and access to essential resources. Furthermore, some committees face obstacles in fully fulfilling their mission due to the lack of close collaboration with midwifery teams. “Without a continuous and strong partnership with midwives, parents’ committees cannot effectively fulfill their role,” Ms. St-Onge emphasized.

Strengthening Parents’ Committees for the Future

Looking ahead, Ms. St-Onge’s research highlights the emergence of a growing international movement in favor of greater user participation in health services. She adds that the majority of her research participants believe in the autonomy of parent committees outside the CISSS and CIUSSS structures.

One of the key recommendations emerging from Ms. St-Onge’s work concerns the establishment of a structured support framework. “A provincial association, similar to the provincial grouping of user committees, would provide the necessary support and capacity building to help parent committees organize themselves and contribute effectively to the organization of midwifery services,” she explained. This approach would allow these groups to move beyond the creation of local communities to assume a more formal advocacy role at the provincial level.

The Movement’s Role in Empowering Parents’ Committees

The Mouvement has long recognized the vital role parents’ committees play in promoting respectful childbirth. As part of its advocacy efforts, our organization strives to connect and empower these committees, ensuring they have the tools, networks, and support they need to make their voices heard.

To strengthen the partnership between midwives and parents, the Mouvement is undertaking a tour of birthing centers across Quebec. This initiative aims to:

• Assess the challenges faced by committees in different regions
• Encourage greater collaboration with midwifery teams
• Identify key areas in which committees can advocate for policy improvements

Our ambition is to develop parents’ committees into true advocacy bodies capable of influencing public policy, promoting the expansion of midwifery services, and gaining recognition for user-led initiatives.

The Future of Parents’ Committees: Expanding Their Influence

Parents’ committees have long played a vital role in supporting birthing centers and adapting services to the needs of families. However, as Ms. St-Onge’s work suggests, there is still work to be done for these groups to reach their full potential. By advocating for greater independence, fostering collaboration with midwifery teams, and working toward a more unified provincial structure, these committees can play an even greater role in defending autonomy during childbirth.

With the support of the Mouvement and the birthing center tour, parents’ committees will be able to increase their influence, shape policies, and ensure that midwifery services remain centered on the needs of the women who use them. The future of childbirth autonomy in Quebec depends on the mobilization and empowerment of these grassroots communities—and together, we are working to make this vision a reality.

[1] Reference framework relating to user and resident committees, MSSS 2018