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I have an exciting update to last week’s post about the Midwifery Modernization Act. The Act was indeed put to a vote, and it passed! Below are all of the details from freeourmidwives.org, a coalition that was instrumental in making this happen. Thank you to all who worked together to ensure women’s access to midwives and homebirth!

Across the state last night, the champagne flowed as women and their families celebrated the passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act!

Why did this bill pass during such a difficult time in New York State politics?  Because women – and those who love and support them – stood shoulder-to-shoulder with midwives despite formidable opponents, limited resources, and little time to get organized.

Together, women strategized, fundraised, spread the word, and gathered supporters.  The result was a truly grassroots effort that was able to stand up to established and powerful opponents.  Thanks to your time on the phone, writing e-mails, and sending faxes, legislators were able to learn the truth about the importance of birth choices for women.

Thanks to your efforts, women will continue to have access to midwives in New York.   Before this law was passed, many currently practicing midwives were in jeopardy – now they can continue to care for women.  In other areas of the state, midwives will now be able to practice, thanks to your hard work.   There are women pregnant today who will now receive the high quality prenatal care a midwive can provide, thanks to you.

Time to give thanks!

Please take a moment to thank your Senator and Assemblyperson for supporting the bill.   The Senate vote was unanimous, so please thank yours ASAP!  Check here for your Assemblyperson’s vote to see if they supported the bill.  Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and thank them for supporting the Midwifery Modernization Act.

Watch for any last steps

This bill has now been passed by the Assembly and Senate and must go to the Governor’s desk to be signed.  If we need to contact the Governor’s office to encourage him to take action, we’ll let you know!

Keep this victory going

We’ve all learned so much about how to make an impact on the legislative process and the lives of women.  Keep up the good work!  Join your local BirthNet, tell the story of your amazing midwife-supported birth, and stay connected – there is still much to be done to ensure all women have a full range of birth options in New York State.

On a personal note – we cannot even begin to express our gratitude to each and every person who made a call, wrote a letter, or sent in faxes, all while juggling children, jobs, and day-to-day life.   Those of us at Free Our Midwives are filled with awe at the power of women and their families working together.  Thank you.

from freeourmidwives.org

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