national association of certified professional midwives
NACPM Alert August 11, 2011
Elizabeth Gilmore

We are writing to share the sad news that Elizabeth Gilmore passed away on Sunday, August 7th. Elizabeth was a visionary midwifery leader, beloved by countless families, midwives and students across the country for her caring, generous, and passionate spirit - and for her wonderful sense of humor.


Elizabeth co-founded the Northern New Mexico Midwifery Center in 1978, which grew to include the Northern New Mexico Birth Center in 1981. In 1987, the Center expanded to become the Women's Health and Birth Center, a unique collaborative practice including, for the first time, licensed midwives and obstetricians. This innovative model contributed directly to a reduction of the Cesarean section rate in Taos County from 30% to 15% between 1997 and 2003.

In 1989, Elizabeth became the founding President of the National College of Midwifery, and continued to serve in this capacity even after her retirement from midwifery practice in 2001. She was a founding member of MEAC in 1991 and a leader in its successful accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education in 2001.

Elizabeth's husband, Carl, writes that she passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She will be greatly missed.

Elizabeth's friend and colleague, Marcy Andrew, has written:

"I would like to open the door for your letters, stories, photos and any other creative expressions to make up a picture of Elizabeth's life. I would like to think of these pieces as the many squares of a quilt that will not only provide us comfort in our grief but will also create a colorful picture of her that will continue to inspire and uplift us. I cannot think of a more beautiful way to honor her than to ask all of the people who love her to express how she has touched their lives. I would also appreciate copies of letters or articles she has written, artwork she has made or anything else she may have sent out into the world over the years. I will be happy to take on the project of compiling everyone's contributions and creating an intricate patchwork as an expression of her life's work."

Please send any materials electronically or by mail to:

Marcy Andrew
PO Box 1671
Ranchos de Taos
NM 87557

[email protected] 

 

Center banner photo credit: Walter Zamojski