Midwives

Midwives and their supporters are pushing lawmakers to establish a statewide licensing program to help expectant mothers find qualified midwives to assist in home births. Currently, the field of midwifery that focuses on home births isn't licensed in North Carolina. The state does recognize "certified midwives," who primarily work in hospitals or private practices under the supervision of a physician. "If there was licensure in place, there would be more midwives trained here, and there would be a selection," said Kirsti Kreutzer, a member of the North Carolina Friends of Midwives.
Home midwives are not required to have nursing degrees. But they must meet national certification standards, including one year of clinical observation and participation in births. A legislative study committee has already met twice to study the issue and proponents hope to see a bill to establish a licensing program introduced next year. A similar effort was unsuccessful several years ago amid objections from medical professionals concerned about oversight and the safety of home births. The North Carolina Medical Society has spoken against the licensing proposal, said Chip Baggett, the group's legislative director. He said the physician's group supports the existing system of nurse midwives in hospitals, birth centers and ambulatory centers -- but not at home. (Vicky Eckenrode, WILMINGTON STAR-NEWS, 7/11/08).