This should be the week the Midwifery Modernization Act gets passed! Support still needed in this final hour. Below find information on how to help; it was neatly and succinctly posted by the lovely and dedicated crew at Free Our Midwives. Phone calls, emails and faxes still needed. Just a couple more days!

May all babies be born into loving hands...

K. Michelle Doyle, CNM, NYS LM
www.localcaremidwifery.com
www.localcaremidwifery.blogspot.com

The Final Week :: Let’s Get the MMA Passed!

by admin on June 14, 2010

We have arrived at the final phase of getting the Midwifery Modernization Act passed. Thanks to your amazing outpouring of support the bill was moved out of the Higher Education Committee last week. Now it is poised to be brought to a full vote in the Assembly and Senate. This is the moment!
This week is going to unfold step by step and we will keep you updated as the bill progresses. Watch here for up to the minute updates. Our current strategy involves two rounds of phone calls.
The first starts now!
Monday: Contact your Assemblyperson and Senator.

1. Call your Assemblyperson and Senator.

Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and call them:

Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I am a constituent. Please encourage the leadership of the (assembly / senate) to bring the bill to a floor vote and please vote for this bill.

2. Call the Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver

518-455-3791 :: Ask him to move the bill to the floor for a full vote.

Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I urge Assembly Speaker Silver to move the Midwifery Modernization Act (A8117-A) to the floor for a full vote. Thank you.

3. Help Us Develop Strategy: Report Back Us

If you learn where your legislator stands please report your findings back to Free Our Midwives either by leaving a comment on this action alert, letting us know on facebook or shoot us an email (jeanette@freeourmidwives.org).
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FAQ’s
The majority of these calls will take less than 30 seconds and be without any questions. Just in case you do speak to your legislator and/or are asked a question, here is some info to help you.
If you can not answer a question, politely let them know that you will find out the answer and you or a representative will call them back with an answer. Please contact us immediately so we can quickly and effectively answer legislative concerns.
*Don’t midwives need a written practice agreement to secure malpractice insurance?
No. Midwives can and do secure malpractice insurance in New York state without a written practice agreement.
*Don’t midwives need to work and consult with doctors to ensure women’s health and safety?
Yes! Midwives are obligated to consult, collaborate and/or transfer care to a higher level practitioner as soon as a birth shows signs that it is outside what is healthy and uncomplicated. A written practice agreement is unnecessary and the requirement for such an agreement creates a barrier for New York State women to receive the care they need from midwives.
*Without a written practice agreement what a will a midwife do for back-up?
Midwives can and do have supportive relationships with physicians without a written practice agreement. Back up plans are a necessary and integral part of midwifery care. Written practice agreements do not play a role in back up plans.
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We are continuously amazed at the outpouring of support we receive from all of you. We are full of gratitude for all you have done. These final actions will ensure that women and families across New York State will have access to the quality midwifery care they deserve.

We are making a difference.