Environment

Some Michigan fish safe for pregnant women, sometimes

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By CAITLIN TAYLOR
Capital News Service
LANSING — Michigan health professionals still want pregnant women to eat fish in safe amounts, despite local fish advisories throughout the state. Fish provide nutrients, like omega-3 oils, that are important to fetal brain development, Jennifer Eisner, public information officer for the Department of Health and Human Services, said. But some of the state’s water bodies are contaminated with toxins like mercury that could harm a growing fetus, she said. “We do want pregnant women to eat locally caught fish,” Eisner said. “But we want them to check our guidelines to find out how often it’s safe to eat them.”
The department develops Eat Safe Fish guidelines that  provide information on the health effects of chemicals in fish by geographic area.

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.