Congratulations to NYS midwives!!

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ALBANY PASSES MIDWIFERY MODERNIZATION ACT Bill Eliminates Barrier to Midwifery Care for Women Across NY State

NEW YORK - June 30, 2010 - New York women now have the right to expanded health care options, including access to the safe and satisfying care of a midwife, with today's passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act by Albany lawmakers. The law removes the requirement for a signed written practice agreement between licensed midwives and obstetricians or hospitals. The legislation does not change the midwives' scope of practice and supports collaborative, clinical relationships with hospitals, obstetricians and other specialists such as pediatricians and perinatologists. Physicians who enjoy collaborative relationships with midwives are now unencumbered from signing a document that many feel implies responsibility for patients they may never see.

"This is a major victory for women's health care across New York," said Laura Sheperis, president of the New York State Association of Licensed Midwives (NYSALM). "Midwives are the acknowledged experts in normal birth - and this legislation ensures that New York's women have the right to choose the birth options and health care providers they desire - including the care of highly educated and licensed midwives. From those seeking care for home birth to those in rural areas with limited access to maternity care, the passage of this legislation will have a significant impact on increasing access to safe health care options across the state."

With New York State Assembly and Senate passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act, New York joins many other states that offer women and their families access to a full range of birth and women's health care options. Assemblyman Richard Gottfried and Senator Thomas Duane sponsored the legislation (A8117-b/S5007-a) with numerous co-sponsors.

"This is an important step forward for women's health and the 1,300 licensed midwives in New York who perform about 15% of the non-Caesarean deliveries, with exceptionally high rates of successful outcomes and patient satisfaction," Assembly Member Richard N. Gottfried, sponsor of the Midwifery Modernization Act, said. "The written practice agreement is an unnecessary restriction that blocks many midwives from serving their community and the families who chose a midwife."

The legislation has a variety of supporters, including Amnesty International, the New York Perinatal Association, the New York State and New York City chapters of the National Organization for Women, statewide BirthNets and many physicians and nursing organizations across the state.

About NYSALM

The New York State Association of Licensed Midwives works to promote the health and well being of women and infants through midwifery care, facilitate the professional practice of licensed midwives in the State of New York, and to encourage and maintain collegial relationships with healthcare providers, institutions, and organizations. For more information please visit www.nysalm.org.