Toni Hill, a direct entry midwife in Mississippi, has been providing essential care to pregnant women for over a decade without formal medical training. A new bill, House Bill 927, aims to establish minimum standards and formal licensing for midwives in the state. Sponsored by Rep. Dana McLean, the bill recently passed in the House and is now awaiting approval from the Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee.
Midwives like Deanna Smith work with low-risk pregnant clients, often in areas with limited access to medical services. The proposed legislation would set guidelines for high-risk pregnancies, define medications, and establish a board to regulate the practice of midwifery. The bill also includes penalties for practicing without a license.
Supporters of the bill see it as a way to improve maternal care in Mississippi, which ranks poorly in terms of maternal health outcomes. While some worry about potential restrictions on new midwives, others believe formalizing the profession will increase public trust and improve collaboration with other medical providers.
Overall, the bill represents a long-awaited milestone for midwives in Mississippi, who have faced stigma and challenges in providing essential care to pregnant women. With the potential for licensure, midwives hope to continue their practice with the necessary support and recognition from the state.
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