Legislator: Reform Laws That Limit Midwives

Rockland County Legislator Connie Coker is joining Licensed Midwives in support of the passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act by the state Legislature during this session.

Coker, a retired Licensed Midwife, and the Rockland County Midwives are inviting supporters of midwifery and the families they have served to join them at a picnic at the Pavilion,  Haverstraw Bay Park, Thursday from 4:30 p.m. until dusk,  rain or shine.

Coker asks that residents of  Rockland County who are committed to quality women's health care and a woman's right to choose her provider during a pregnancy or for  gynecological care to contact and thank Assembly members Ellen Jaffee and Kenneth Zebrowski for their support of the Midwifery Modernization Act (S5007/A8117-a).  Passage of this law will eliminate the requirement  for a Licensed Midwife to have a written practice agreement with a  physician, Coker said.

"A written practice agreement does not guarantee the safety of women and babies," said Coker. "What it does mean - physicians can limit a woman's choice as to her provider when pregnant. Midwives are highly-educated, have stringent licensure requirements, and are expert at knowing when to collaborate and consult with physicians.  The midwifery model of care is the reason for the excellent outcomes we see with midwife-attended births."

Coker added, "We are hopeful that other Assembly members will join Assemblywoman Jaffee and Assemblyman Zebrowski in supporting the Midwifery Modernization Act, which will make our picnic a celebration of freedom of access to midwifery care for women in our State."