COLUMBUS, OH (CRAWFORD COUNTY NOW)—State Representatives Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) have introduced legislation aimed at formally recognizing and promoting the work of midwives in Ohio. The bill seeks to establish a new, optional licensure framework for midwives within the state, according to a recent announcement.
The proposed legislation intends to broaden access to midwifery services for Ohio women and offer varying levels of care options. Notably, the bill also includes provisions to ensure that traditional, or lay, midwives can continue their practice without licensure, provided they obtain informed consent from their clients and operate within their established scope of work.
Furthermore, the bill outlines the creation of an advisory committee tasked with overseeing and providing guidance on matters related to midwifery. In a symbolic gesture, the legislation also proposes designating May 5 as “Day of the Midwife” in Ohio.
“The miracle of birth is an awe-inspiring event and isn’t simply a procedure to be rushed as long as mom and baby are doing well,” stated McClain. “Midwives provide a time-tested approach to prenatal care and childbirth that guides the mother through the natural processes to bringing a healthy baby from their womb into their arms.”
Miller echoed this sentiment, saying, “I believe this legislation will benefit existing midwives, encourage others to become midwives, and reduce the number of maternity health deserts in Ohio. If a woman wants a midwife for pregnancy, there are many types she can choose from that will give her different levels of care.”
Both McClain and Miller emphasized that a primary motivation behind the bill is to address the challenges surrounding access to maternity services, particularly in rural areas of Ohio. They previously championed similar legislation during the last General Assembly.
The legislation is currently awaiting a bill number and assignment to a relevant House committee.