GRN: The Access to Certified Professional Midwives Act of 2011

Grassroots News Message 2011-03-18 no 2

Historic news from the MAMA Campaign: “The Access to Certified Professional Midwives Act of 2011” introduced in Congress. Citizens for Midwifery is a coalition partner in the MAMA Campaign and has been working hard to increase access to midwifery care for families through federal recognition of CPMs. We are thrilled to have reached this historic milestone. Read more from the MAMA Campaign below.

CPM Bill Introduced: A Milestone for Mothers and Midwives!



Join the Celebration for HR 1054
!

We are thrilled to announce that Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-ME-1) has introduced HR 1054, the “Access to Certified Professional Midwives Act of 2011” in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Photo of Rep. Chellie Pingree



“I believe it’s important that women are able to have the birth experience they want, regardless of where they live and how much money they make. That is why it’s important that women with Medicaid coverage have the same access to high quality, safe, and cost-effective services,” Congresswoman Pingree said. The Congresswoman is known in Maine and Washington, DC as a sensitive, independent voice for social and health issues that affect families everywhere. 



The Midwives and Mothers in Action (MAMA) Campaign expresses our sincerest appreciation to Congresswoman Pingree and celebrates this milestone in the history of direct-entry midwifery in the United States.

MAMA is also deeply grateful to Rep. Gwen Moore (D-WI-4) and Rep. Jim McDermott (D-WA-7) for their support and leadership in co-sponsoring HR 1054 with Representative Pingree.

Increasing women’s access to the care of CPMs will support better outcomes for mothers and babies, reduced disparities in outcomes for vulnerable populations, and provide significant cost savings for Medicaid and the health care system.

We are most grateful to Representative Pingree for her vision and support for childbearing women and their families. 



This is Your Milestone!


Your support, your letters to members of Congress, meetings with your legislators in Washington, DC and in-district, and all of the dollars that you have contributed to this cause have made possible the introduction of HR 1054. You should be proud of yourselves – the MAMA Campaign Steering Committee thanks you!

Now the Work Begins….

MAMA will be counting on your energy and involvement in the coming weeks and months as this train gains steam and we forge ahead to garner the support of Congress for enacting HR 1054 into law. Our next steps include securing additional co-sponsors, obtaining support from the leading advocates for change in maternity care, raising the funds, and motivating the volunteers necessary to see this campaign through to victory. Together we will steadily move this important piece of legislation forward, Congress member by Congress member, for the benefit of women and babies.


Coming Soon From MAMA:

• Letter-writing guidelines for soliciting your Congress members to become co-sponsors
• Invitations to participate in visits to the Hill in Washington, DC and organize in-district visits to your Representatives
• Advice on how you can become more involved as the MAMA Campaign gathers support in key Congressional committees



MAMA’s New Look

MAMA is getting a “make-over” with a new color scheme, updated logo and website and a fresh look to our materials. Check MAMA out at www.mamacampaign.org. We’re also implementing a new web platform that will make it easier for us to stay in touch with you and for you to post your thoughts, write your representatives, and make donations to the campaign.



MAMA Is Growing

With the introduction of HR 1054, MAMA is seeking to hire a self-starting, energetic, and driven team member as Administrative Assistant to the Campaign. Take a look at the Job Posting and help us find the right person to provide this support to the Campaign.



Keep MAMA Going in 2011!

Just one year ago, MAMA celebrated a significant victory in our campaign for federal recognition of CPMs! Since that time, we have been working quietly to secure the initial sponsors of HR 1054 and solicit support from major donors who understood the need to invest in MAMA’s long-term success. As a result, we are already halfway toward meeting our expenses in 2011! Now we need the support of our grassroots – mothers and fathers, grandparents, midwives, doulas, and other advocates – to keep our momentum going. Please celebrate with us – show Congress you care, too – by making your contribution today. We will put your dollars to work, making a difference for mothers and babies! Together we can move mountains!

 Donate Today!