Saturday, January 19, 2008

Grassroots Network: Big Push Campaign!

Some of you may have already heard of this effort being developed during the last few months. Midwifery advocates/activists especially from midwestern states have been working together to form a campaign to get CPMs licensed in all 50 states. Citizens for Midwifery supports this campaign, as well as many national and state organizations. The official launch will take place next Thursday in Chicago!


The text of the Media Alert is below.

You probably already know if folks in your state are planning any events associated with the Big Push, and they will also have access to additional materials.

I will be in Chicago for the Big Push launch, so watch for a first hand account posted as soon as possible after the event!

Sincerely,
Susan Hodges “gatekeeper”



PushNews from The Big Push for Midwives Campaign

CONTACT: Steff Hedenkamp, (816) 506-4630, RedQuill@kc.rr.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, January 18, 2008

MEDIA ALERT
National “Big Push for Midwives” Campaign to Launch
20 states already signed up for nationally coordinated advocacy campaign for regulation and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)

WHAT:
The Big Push for Midwives Campaign will launch next week in Chicago on “PushDay” to advocate for regulation and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Big Push Campaign is also pushing back against the attempts by the American Medical Association to deny American families access to legal midwifery care.
Following the PushDay news conference about the national campaign launch, there will be several activities, including a book signing by author and journalist Jennifer Block for her book “Pushed,” a film screening of the Ricki Lake and Abby Epstein documentary, “The Business of Being Born,” and a viewing of The Safe Motherhood Quilt Project created by midwife pioneer Ina May Gaskin.

WHY:
Currently, Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), who work predominantly in hospital settings, are licensed and legal in all 50 states. Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), who specialize in out-of-hospital delivery, are licensed and legal in fewer than half of our states. CPMs:
Are specifically trained to provide out-of-hospital maternity care for healthy women experiencing normal pregnancies.
Offer a family-centered model of care, which is associated with reducing the incidence of c-section, birth injury and trauma, as well as significantly reducing the cost of maternity care.
Play a vital role in reducing the two most preventable risk factors for infant mortality: low-birth weight and premature birth: babies born too small or too soon.
Serve a disproportionate percentage of underserved populations, including low-income, rural, inner-city, immigrant, and uninsured families, as well as those Americans who choose out-of-hospital birth for deeply held cultural and philosophical reasons.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Thursday, JANUARY 24 at Courtyard by Marriott, 30 East Hubbard Street, Chicago
· 1 p.m. “PushDay” News Conference
· 1:30 p.m. “Pushed” book signing by author and journalist Jennifer Block
Viewing of The Safe Motherhood Quilt Project by Ina May Gaskin
· 2:30 p.m. Film screening of documentary “The Business of Being Born”
In addition, multiple states will have PushRallies and PushParties to kickoff the Big Push Campaign, such as Alabama, Idaho, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and South Dakota.

WHO:
The Big Push for Midwives Campaign is the first initiative of the National Birth Policy Coalition (NBPC), which was established in 2007 and is focused on increasing access to the Midwives Model of Care in all settings, as well as supporting legislative initiatives that promote the autonomous practice of Certified Professional Midwives and Certified Nurse-Midwives. So far, the NBPC has been endorsed by more than 20 organizations, including national and state midwifery organizations, as well as state consumer organizations.

CONTACT:
Media inquiries about the news conference, book signing, film event, or participating states PushEvents should be directed to Steff Hedenkamp (816) 506-4630, RedQuill@kc.rr.com.

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