Midwife licensure news from Maine

Some very interesting developments have occurred this year. In all my trips to the state capitol, I've not posted, but soon the legislative session will end, and I should be able to catch up. Until then, here are a few interesting things that have occurred.

MAINE
The Main Department of Professional Regulation issued an official Legislative Report (<--link to a pdf download) that states, "Information presented to the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation suggests that the 22 CPMs practicing in Maine are knowledgeable, compassionate and sincerely dedicated to the welfare of women and children. The competence of these CPMs is suggested through good birth outcomes and the absence of examples in which serious medical problems have resulted form the care they provide ..." [Report of the Commission of Professional and Financial Regulation to the Joint Standing Committee on Business, Research and Economic Development, Sunrise Review Regarding the Practice of Licensed Midwifery, February 15, 2008, pg. 16.]

In the end, the governor signed a bill that allows UNLICENSED CPMs to carry certain, life-saving medications (like pitocin and oxygen). They felt that CPMs already do an excellent job. One correction to the news story I linked to is that the drugs would not be used for induction. Midwives never induce, which is one of many reasons home birth is healthier and safer for the majority of women.

The doctors groups went apeshit. (Note: this is an editorial, but it includes the same old doctor's talking points.)