Meeting Public Comments

Jordan Bruns

I am a licensed pharmacist in the state of Iowa writing to express support for House Study Bill 123 regarding midwifery licensure.As a member of a profession that undergoes licensure, I feel that licensure is an important step to take for midwifery. Benefits of licensure include ensuring competency, maintaining/updating knowledge base, and enhancing access to important tools in practice. Detriments to licensure are nonexistent from my point of view, as midwives are already practicing in the state, and licensure would only improve their ability to do so safely and effectively.Licensure is critical to ensure Certified Professional Midwives have the ability to order necessary labs and medications within their scope of practice, which is currently the case in 37 other states and DC. As a pharmacist licensed in 16 states, Iowa should join the majority of the country in ensuring midwives are regulated to improve communication and integration within the state's health care infrastructure including pharmacies, clinics, and hospitals.Iowa is experiencing a lack of access to maternal care, attracting new healthcare workers would be a major benefit, as licensing and legitimizing the practice will allow more providers to feel safe to do so in this state. Improving access to care for anyone is a wonderful thing, and doing so for maternal health is of the utmost importance. Please vote in support of this bill.Jordan Bruns, Des Moines, Iowa 50321

Hannah Randall

I am here to voice my support for the midwifery bill. Iowa must protect and support birthing mother's choices. I am thankful for homebirth. I knew I wouldn't feel at ease birthing my babies in the hospital and I'm so thankful I could have professionally trained assistance in my home.

Andrea grace

My name is Andrea Grace, I live in Dubuque and I had my son at home in the capable hands of midwives. The experience changed my life so much that I myself stepped into the birth world as a doula and now as a Midwife apprentice working toward my certification and with your help an Iowa License in Midwifery. Currently I am working with Wisconsin midwives. But I have been attending births in Iowa for 10 years. The difference in care is real. With a license, Wisconsin midwives are easily able to order specific labs and ultrasounds for their clients. This enables them to see the whole picture of mother/baby health. Whereas in Iowa, women pay put of pocket for these services or may have to travel long distance to find providers. The hope is that licensure will give Iowa Midwives the credentials of respect when it comes to creating and communicating with nurses and doctors in hospital settings. As well as the confidence in feeling accepted by the medical community in the rare case of transfer to hospital when the mom or baby needs additional care. Please support HBS 123. Please grant Iowa Midwives licensure. With this you will be providing more options for pregnant people as well as supporting better out of hospital care for those who choose out of hospital providers. Thank you!!

Merrill-Lee Pick

Hello, I am a first time mom as of December of last year. Speaking to this legislation, I can personally testify approving in favor of this bill. Midwifery care for moms and families is to the highest quality. For midwives to have the ability to order labs and administer care to the fullest for families should be looked in favor of to support the moms in whatever they need. I personally have had the privilege of being offered quality care from my midwives, and with my circumstances, it would have been beneficial for the midwives to have this ability. Please strongly consider how much this bill does good for Iowan mothers looking to have a natural childbirth at home.