Victory! We did it together!

by admin on July 1, 2010

SageAcross the state last night, the champagne flowed as women and their families celebrated the passage of the Midwifery Modernization Act!img_0190 Why did this bill pass during such a difficult time in New York State politics?  Because women - and those who love and support them - stood shoulder-to-shoulder with midwives despite formidable opponents, limited resources, and little time to get organized. Together, women strategized, fundraised, spread the word, and gathered supporters.  The result was a truly grassroots effort that was able to stand up to established and powerful opponents.  Thanks to your time on the phone, writing IMG_7488e-mails, and sending faxes, legislators were able to learn the truth about the importance of birth choices for women. Thanks to your efforts, women will continue to have access to midwives in New York.   Before this law was passed, many currently practicing midwives were in jeopardy - now they can continue to care for woimg_9984_0men.  In other areas of the state, midwives will now be able to practice, thanks to your hard work.   There are women pregnant today who will now receive the high quality prenatal care a midwive can provide, thanks to you.

Time to give thanks!

IMG_8645Please take a moment to thank your Senator and Assemblyperson for supporting the bill.   The Senate vote was unanimous, so please thank yours ASAP!  Check here for your Assemblyperson's vote to see if they supported the bill.  Find your Assemblyperson here and your Senator here and thank them for supporting the Midwifery Modernization Act.

Watch for any last steps

This bill has now been passed by the Assembly and Senate and must go to the Governor's desk to be sigHuck2ned.  If we need to contact the Governor's office to encourage him to take action, we'll let you know!

Keep this victory going

IMG_7464We've all learned so much about how to make an impact on the legislative process and the lives of women.  Keep up the good work!  Join your local BirthNet, tell the story of your amazing midwife-supported birth, and stay connected - there is still much to be done to ensure all women have a full range of birth options in New York State. On a personal note - we cannot even begin to express our gratitude to each and every person who made a call, wrote a letter, or sent in faxes, all while juggling children, jobs, and day-to-day life.   Those of us at Free Our Midwives are filled with awe at the power of women and their families working together.  Thank you.

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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }

Julie Carpenter July 1, 2010 at 11:04 am

Logical change that benefits everyone should be the most simple thing in the worldto enact, but recent history has proven otherwise. Thanks to all of you for bringing about this action in the most heartwhelming, inclusive manner. You rock!!!

Jolene Carotenuto July 1, 2010 at 12:08 pm

We have been emailing and calling, and waiting, breathless. Thank you BirthNet of the Finger Lakes for getting this one in the history books! From a little, quiet plalce in the North Country, I thank you with all of my heart.

Toqui Terchun July 1, 2010 at 3:23 pm

YAHOOOOOOOOO………………………………:))

Sally Goodwin July 3, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Well done to you all, shame you had to fight but glad the powers that be saw sense in the end, we are very grateful we are not faced with the same situation ;-))

From a student midwife across the pond ;-))

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