SD Birth Matters Midwife Regulatory Fund

Hi, I'm a South Dakota mom whose Certified Professional Midwife went to jail, because there was no way for her to be licensed in the state. Since she was jailed in 2003, we have not had any access to Certified Professional Midwives in South Dakota.  I am grateful that some home birth families have access to Certified Nurse Midwives, who can legally attend out of hospital births in our state.  But there aren't enough of them. I still get calls all the time from families searching for a midwife in an area where there are none.  I look forward to the day when every South Dakota family will have access to at least one midwife in their community. That won't happen until we change our state law to allow Certified Professional Midwives to practice here.

We are getting very close to meeting that goal.  This year's CPM Licensure bill went further than ever before.  We passed the House 54-13, but failed in the Senate with a 16-19 vote.  Because we almost passed, at least some of our opposition is willing to work with us on drafting a bill they can support next year.  We are drafting a bill that will set up an independent midwife board.  The biggest hurdle will be to prove that it can be financially feasible. In South Dakota each board must support itself. That is difficult when there are such a small number of midwives ready to be licensed, but it is possible if we raise enough money to get this board started.  That's why we need your help.  Will you buy a T-shirt, give a donation and spread this message to your friends?  Every little bit helps. Together we can make a difference for South Dakota's families.  Thank you in advance for your support!