“A jug fills drop by drop.”

Happy Monday everyone -

PAMA, BFPA, and several regional midwives had a productive and optimistic discussion this afternoon with:

-Kate McHugh, CNM – ACNM’s Director of Global and Domestic Development and Interim Executive Director and Director of Special Projects at Life Cycle Wellness and Birth Center in Bryn Mawr

-Nicole M. Chaney, CNM – Reading Hospital; many know her locally for her pivotal work with the Breech program at Reading Tower Health

-Patricia Madden, CNM – formerly of UPMC Lititz, now at St. Luke’s in Lehigh Valley where she is establishing midwife practices in their delivering facilities.

We were able to convene today to discuss and receive clarification surrounding the language in SB507 and how that could inadvertently affect non-nurse midwifery in PA, should this bill pass. We highlighted the language in question, acknowledged the benefits of and support for the bill, and explained the valid concerns - as well as the historical context of said concerns - of those in opposition to SB507 to the best of our abilities.

We also addressed the questions and concerns brought to us from communities who have been given mixed information.

We have presented both ACNM and Senators on The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee with our proposed protective language for CPM’s, DEM’s, and Traditional/Religious Midwives, with the utmost consideration for the progression of their bill.

The CNM’s we met with today, along with the Senators on the committee, as well as other Senators around the state have expressed their support for our protective language to be included as an addendum, should it be approved by Senator Rosemary Brown and the word smiths in charge of reviewing licensure language.

This is a small win to start the week for PA Midwifery & families who choose homebirth with non-nurse midwives, given how much concern and attention this bill has garnered. We are feeling reassured and hopeful this evening.

This certainly isn’t the end of the conversation and it very well could just be the beginning of having our voices represented and heard when it comes to the discussion of Midwifery care across the Commonwealth.

I invite midwives across the state to join PAMA in order to strengthen our numbers and presence at the table, connect with and support other midwives, and share your perspectives, concerns, and ideas. I also encourage you to reach out to your Senators regarding this bill, should you feel inclined.

This bill is not a criminalization effort. Non-nurse midwives are NOT ILLEGAL in PA. This bill is not a bait and switch for CM’s to gain footing and non-nurse midwives to lose their ability to serve homebirth families. This bill is an amendment to a 40 year old bill focused solely on nurse midwifery.

Standing with PA’s CNMs in their fight for fair treatment, respect, and the resources they need to continue providing excellent care does not, at this time, place us in danger of losing our ability to provide care in the community setting.