Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Business of Being Born


A new documentary about birth in America was released on Netflix today. I saw a benefit screening of it at the beginning of January. I think it's a good introduction to some of the current issues facing birthing women in this country. If you're looking for a place to start looking into these issues, consider renting this. There is a preview found on their website, The Business of Being Born.

In other related news, many states in this country are introducing legislation this year (or are at least planning to) to establish regulations and licensure of Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs)! While we are fortunate that about half of the states in this country already have licensure available, it is a sad truth that there are still some states where out-of-hospital midwifery care is not legally protected, and in some cases, is even illegal. Thankfully, though, The Big Push for Midwives, a nationally coordinated campaign, is advocating for licensure and regulation in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The map below breaks up the current situation state by state. I would love to see the day when it is all dark blue!

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