Grassroots Network: ACOG and the Massachusetts Bill for a Board of Midwifery

Dear Friends,

Many of you already know of the bill wending its way through the MA legislative process: a bill developed by CNMs, CPMs, CMs and consumers, working together. The gist of the bill is that it would create a single midwifery board that would license CNMs, CMs and CPMs, with slightly different licenses that reflect differences in training, and includes prescriptive privileges for CNMs/CMs and administration of emergency and state mandated meds for CPMs.

Of course, ACOG (American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists) is opposed, as they are opposed to any bill that would license CPMs and allow for legal midwife-attended home births.

Now you can read exactly what ACOG is saying about the bill, and how they are urging their members to actively work to stop passage of this bill. You can read their latest statement here.

I am sure you will recognize the many errors and misinformation, starting with the novel idea that CPMs are what used to be called lay midwives absolutely not true!

Whether you are involved with state legislation for CPMs or not, in MA or elsewhere, it is worthwhile to be aware of what ACOG is telling its members. You never know when you will have a chance to enlighten a physician or other person who has been misled by ACOG's statements!

Sincerely,
Susan Hodges, gatekeeper