Help Legalize Midwives in Indiana

Ezra was born at home. I'm grateful for the prenatal care we received from our midwife, grateful for Ezra's safe, quick, and uncomplicated delivery into the hands of a midwife, and grateful there is an obstetrician willing to provide back-up care for the midwives in our area in case a hospital transfer should be required.

Unfortunately, it is illegal in Indiana for midwives to deliver babies at home. According to data from the Midwives Alliance of North America, midwifery is prohibited in 10 states, including Indiana, and only 26 states regulate midwives. Midwifery licensure provides legal protection for midwives attending home births and also protects families by setting standards for midwifery training and certification.

If you support home birth and are a resident of Indiana, please join the Facebook group Indiana Push for Midwives to learn what you can do to help support upcoming legislation for CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) licensure in Indiana, which would legalize midwifery in our state.

Also at noon today, you can listen to local home birth advocates discuss the advantages of home birthing on the program Noon Edition at Indiana Public Media.