The paradigm is that if something goes wrong, someone must be blamed. If the good doctor examined the outcomes of O.L. Logan and M. C. Smith, who practiced midwifery (with a high risk population) without so much as a blood pressure cuff, he’d have no choice but to conclude that it is, indeed, a safe alternative for most women who seek it.

I am left with no choice but to conclude that the powers that be are not concerned so much with public health but in maintaining control and keeping their pockets lined.

Why is it up to him? Or to other doctors? Many women are CHOOSING to birth at home, and sometimes they’d rather do that by themselves rather than put themselves in the hands of the doctors. They have varying reasons for their decisions, but if they choose to give birth at home, do doctors have the right to deny them access to the attendant of their choice, even if it is a midwife? Midwives today are better trained, and more educated than at any time in history. Their care is compassionate and respectful. And safe. There are a number of good studies to demonstrate the safety of homebirth with midwives, and there are also plenty of statistics that demonstrate that non-midwifery care is becoming increasing dangerous. The U.S. is next to the bottom of the developed countries as far as our maternal mortality rates go. Statewide, our cesarean rates are more than 1 in 3, and 50% in some hospitals. That’s safe? That is what the doctor’s want to protect us from? No, thank you. I’ve done the research. I would rather take my chances with the midwives, legal or illegal. Legal would be better.

Go Rep. Hall!