Kay Ivey signs bill legalizing midwifery in Alabama
On Wednesday, Alabama officially became the 33rd state to legalize certified professional midwives (CPMs) when Governor Kay Ivey signed HB315 into law. The bill, which passed in the final hours of the state’s 2017 legislative session Friday, allows CPMs to deliver babies in Alabama homes. Prior to Ivey’s signature it was a misdemeanor offense to practice midwifery without a license issued by the state Board of Nursing and the Board of Medical Examiners. “After thoughtful and deliberate consideration, I signed the midwifery bill because it gives mothers more options to choose how to deliver their baby, while simultaneously ensuring that those midwives who practice in Alabama are qualified to do so,” said Ivey. “As signed into law, HB315 strikes the appropriate balance of removing regulations to allow midwives to practice, while also making sure offered services are safe for and in the best interests of mothers and children. The bill faced many challenges as it made its way through the state legislature, as many lawmakers questioned the safety of the bill. Ultimately amendments were added to alleviate those concerns and the version delivered to Ivey now requires: practicing midwives to hold certification from the Institute for Credentialing Excellence; establishes a state board to oversee the standards; practicing midwives will have to have at least $300,000 in professional liability insurance; midwives must establish a written emergency plan, signed by the pregnant woman, at least 30 days prior to the birth. For women hoping to have a natural, home birth or for those without easy access to hospital with obstetric care, this reverse is policy welcome news. “We are so thankful to Governor Kay Ivey for supporting access to the qualified care of a CPM!” the Alabama Birth Coalition wrote on Facebook.
Bill to decriminalize Alabama midwifery passes Senate committee
An Alabama Senate committee on Wednesday passed a bill that would allow certified professional midwives to legally practice in the Yellowhammer State. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved the bill, sponsored Moulton-Republican state Rep. Ken Johnson , 9-2. The committee also approved an amendment Rainbow City-Republican Sen. Phil Williams offered that would mandate certified midwives to carry liability insurance. It also requires mothers and midwives to have a written emergency plan in place at least 30 days prior to the mother’s expected due date. Currently, state law says it’s a misdemeanor offense to practice midwifery without a license issued by the state Board of Nursing and the Board of Medical Examiners. Meanwhile, midwifery is legal and regulated in 31 states, including neighboring states Florida and Tennessee. Supporters of the bill call today’s vote a victory for Alabama midwives. “It passed!!!,” the Alabama Birth Coalition posted on their Facebook page. “We are so thankful for the favorable report from the Judiciary committee today. On to the Senate floor! We will explain the amendment in more detail later, but supporters…. this is a time to celebrate and remain positive and hopeful!!” The bill will now move to the full Senate for consideration. It has already passed the State House, 84-11.
