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Indiana’s Certified Professional Midwives currently are pursuing licensure through the state legislature. The issue has been referred to a summer study, which will determine the bill’s future. Legislators will hear from midwives, consumers, parties who have a vested interest and lobbyists. It is the midwives’ hope that the bill will be heard in the next legislative session with the full support of the summer study. At present, the bill’s objectives are:
- Providing Licensure for Certified Professional Midwives
- Establishing a Midwifery Board, appointed by the Governor
- Developing rules and regulations for practice through that board
- Providing consumers with disclosure and informed consent
- Limiting the liability for providers who accept transfer of care
The Indiana Midwifery Taskforce was created in 1993 to work as a lobbying group to support CPM licensure. This group continues to work with legislators to educate them of the benefits of midwifery licensure.
To promote unity and provide support to all Hoosier midwives, the Indiana Midwives Association www.indianamidwivesassoc.com was formed. Since 1982, the IMA has provided peer review and standards of practice for Indiana midwives. Dedicated to upholding the highest professional standards, IMA counsels consumers on safe birth alternatives, how to choose a midwife and the midwifery model of care. In addition, the association provides opportunities for continuing education and supports the study and research of midwifery care.
Midwifery is well-established in Indiana, not only as a practice of maternity care, but also through the cohesion created by these two groups. It is the hope of those who promote midwifery care in the state that at this time next year, guidelines for CPM licensure will be ready for Governor Daniel’s signature.
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