by The province says it’s ending the use of birth alerts, effective immediately.
Birth alerts are written notifications by child welfare agencies to hospital staff about an expectant parent when there are significant risks during the pregnancy.
Community Services Minister Karla MacFarlane says birth alerts have had a disproportionate effect on indigenous and African Nova Scotian families and marginalized women.
The decision to end the practice follows a recommendation made by the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.
The Community Services Department has created a Family Connections Co-ordinator position to support expectant families who are struggling or have multiple needs that put them at risk.
Participation in the program is voluntary.