Preserving Safe & Healthy Birth Choices for New York Families

Thanks to your amazing efforts, we are half-way there!

In case you missed the amazing flood of energy on facebook today - we have incredibly exciting news!  The bill passed the Assembly today, with a stunning vote of support - 95 for, 17 against.   Your calls, faxes, e-mails and letters are what turned the tide. As one constituent told us today:  "I was amazed that [my Assemblyperson] told me that after reading my email he spoke with the sponsor of the bill and discussed his concerns, and decided to vote for it because he realized that the original law does not provide the safety that he had thought it does." We cannot let up the pressure now - this is our moment to finish the job. No one ever thought this bill could come so far so quickly - all we need to do now is get the bill through the Senate and then signed by the Governor. The bill is poised for a Senate vote, but has not yet been placed on the schedule.  We need to encourage Senate leadership to schedule the bill for a vote - and ask our own Senators to vote yes when the time comes. Time is short - legislators will soon leave Albany - so we need to make sure this happens right away. Here's how you can help.

1. Contact the Leadership of the Senate Just One More Time

Urge them to call the bill to a vote! These leaders hold the power to bring the bill to the floor or leave it behind.

Senate Leadership

Sen. Majority Leader Malcolm Smith (518) 455-2701

Sen. Majority Conference Leader John Sampson (518) 455-2788

Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I am calling to voice my strong support for the Midwifery Modernization Act (S5007-B), and I encourage Senator Smith/Sampson to move the bill to the floor for a full vote. Please do not leave New York women and families behind. Thank you.

2. Contact Your Senator This One Last Time

Take heart from the story above of one constituent who educated her legislator.  He ended up voting in support today!   If your Senator has told you he or she is voting against it, now is the time to politely educate him or her about what this bill is *really* about. Remember that the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is putting out urgent alerts for their members to call legislators now - we need legislators to know the truth about the Midwifery Modernization Act!

Find your Senator here and call them:

Script: Hello, my name is ______ and I am a constituent.  I am calling/writing to urge the Senator to please vote for the Midwifery Modernization Act (A8117-B/S5007-B) when it comes to the floor.   It passed the assembly with overwhelming, bipartisan support yesterday.  Can you tell me the Senator's position on this bill? The women and families of New York need this bill passed this session. Thank you so much! Tell us, (via Facebook), what you find out.

3. Keep spreading the word - it is working!

We are reaching every corner of New York - now is the time to tell every friend and family member in New York to contact their legislator RIGHT AWAY. All it takes is for you to share this with your friends and family via e-mail lists, Facebook, and other social media outlets. Send it to people outside of New York and ask them to send it to their New York contacts!

There is one-click Facebook sharing at the bottom of this post.

4. Join the party - watch us on Facebook and we'll keep you up-to-date

Did you get a chance to watch our Facebook page today?  We were able to update you all on who to call, when the vote was happening, and the exciting Assembly vote.  Your reports on your legislators' status helped us develop our on-the-ground strategy - invaluable!   Keep watching and taking action throughout the day.   Be a part of the action here.

5. Help Support Free Our Midwives

Please consider taking a moment and donating to Free Our Midwives/BirthNet of the Finger Lakes.  We are a small group of dedicated consumer volunteers.  All donations are used towards upkeep of this website, educational materials and outreach.  Thanks! Is this your first visit to Free Our Midwives? You can learn more about our movement here and more about the Midwifery Modernization Act here. Do you want to help make sure New York State women have access to the safe and quality care midwives provide? Subscribe for free updates here and we will keep you updated on how you can make a big difference.  Together we will get this legislation passed!

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