Draft Mexican Standard on Maternal and Neonatal Care Open for Public Comment

“A new draft of the Official Mexican Standard PROY-NOM-020-SSA-2024, focused on maternal and neonatal care and midwifery practices in health establishments, is open for public comment for 60 days. This proposed regulation outlines guidelines for the integration of midwifery into Mexico’s health care system, aiming to improve care for mothers and newborns.

The draft emphasizes human rights in health care, highlighting key constitutional articles, such as the right to health protection and the prohibition of discrimination. It aligns with international health goals, such as the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, and the WHO’s push for universal health coverage.

Health establishments are required to have trained midwifery and nursing specialists, and implement systems for the referral, transfer, and counter-referral of patients. The draft also mandates strict reporting standards, including the issuance of certificates for births and deaths, and immediate reporting of maternal and fetal deaths to authorities.

Professional midwifery is recognized, with midwives needing to be registered in the National Registry. They are allowed to attend low-risk births, following official guidelines. The draft also supports the integration of traditional medicine and midwifery, recognizing their importance in certain indigenous communities.

If approved, the new standard will come into effect 180 days after its publication.”

Source:https://www.cofemersimir.gob.mx/portales/resumen/57453##~https://www.cofemersimir.gob.mx/portales

Region: Mexico