Grassroots Network: Petition: "Support Evidence Based Midwifery Education in the US"

Dear Friends,

You may have already seen this on other lists; if not, please read the note below and consider signing the petition. Citizens for Midwifery has endorsed NARM's statement, and nearly 2000 individuals have already signed on.

The CPM credential is the point; whether you acquire your skills, knowledge and experience through an accredited program or through other means (documented through the Portfolio Evaluation Process) does not make a difference, nor is one better or worse than the other. A CPM is a CPM.

In the end, as women and families, we need all the midwives we can get, in every setting, and women should be able to choose the provider and setting that is best for them. The ACNM has every right to make position statements about the certified nurse midwife credential, but should refrain from taking positions about other credentials and their requirements, especially when such a position creates barriers for qualified midwives to practice and women to access them.

Sincerely,
Susan Hodges, "gatekeeper"


From the North American Registry of Midwives (NARM):

Dear Friends-

A recently revised Position Statement from the American College of Nurse Midwives (ACNM) seeks to limit recognition of midwifery providers to those who have received their training through government accredited programs. The North American Registry of Midwives (NARM) oversees the credentialing of midwives who have received their training through time honored and evidenced based systems that emphasize clinical competency over all other criteria (Certified Professional Midwives-CPMs).

NARM has posted an online petition in an effort to organize our voices and convince the ACNM to reconsider its position on apprentice trained midwives. This letter seeks to unite US Midwifery under the common goal of providing women with access to the provider and setting of their choice for birth.

We ask that individuals as well as state and national midwifery and birth advocacy organizations sign this petition.

There are many great opportunities mounting to move midwifery forward on both the state and national level. We must stand together as a community of midwives if we are going to have a real voice for change in maternity care. Whether you are a CPM, CNM, a midwifery consumer, advocate, or none of the above, please go here to read more details about this issue and sign the petition to make your voice heard.

Respectfully,

The NARM Board of Directors