Government

Midwives must be licensed under new law

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By CAITLIN TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Michigan midwife associations were pleased when Gov. Rick Snyder signed new midwife licensing legislation into law at the beginning of the year. Midwives are trained to assist women in childbirth. They help with delivery as well as provide prenatal and postpartum care. Michigan has 31 certified professional midwives currently registered with the state, according to the North American Registry of Midwives. To further protect the safety of mothers, some midwifery advocates lobbied for such a licensing law for nearly six years, according to Stacia Proefrock, president of the Michigan Midwives Association and a certified professional midwife at Trillium Midwifery in Ypsilanti.

Government

Lawmakers move toward plan to license midwives

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By KAREN HOPPER USHER
Capital News Service
LANSING — Pregnant Michigan women might soon have another state-recognized labor and delivery option. More than a year after the House approved licensing midwives, a similar bill is before the Senate. Supporters say this is a consumer rights issue that improves access to pregnancy care and paves the way for Medicaid reimbursement. Critics say the education requirements don’t compare with certified nurse midwives and obstetricians and gynecologists. They also say the bill should be clearer about when and how women should be sent to doctors and hospitals.