Midwives, babies hit Missouri Capitol
JEFFERSON CITY — Midwives don’t want anything more from the Legislature. They just want to be left alone.
Today midwives from around the state showed up to the state capital to thank legislators with homemade cookies for the recent change in law that legalizes midwifery.
“We’re not asking for more,” Missouri Midwives Association former president Debbie Smithey said.
She said the next step for them is to “see what it’s like to practice legally.”
Lori Doty, a nurse from Rolla came with her eight-month-old son, Kazmir, to speak in favor of midwives.
“I know hospitals, as hard as we try, are full of germs,” she said, so she elected to give birth at home. She said she doesn’t regret the decision, especially because hospitals don’t have many of the comforts of home.
MMA also brought a special treat for the lobbyists: speaker Jennifer Block, who wrote “Pushed,” a book about childbirth.
> She said the next step for them is to “see what it’s like
> to practice legally.”
Either that, or to see what wealthy interests like the physicians and hospitals of this state can buy from the legislature.
I was there at the capitol yesterday with my 2 yr old. We had a great time visiting with staff and legislators and handing out cookies. It was wonderful to be able to celebrate together with fellow supporters, and to say thanks in person to the legislators and others who have been so helpful in legalizing midwives in Missouri.