"Midwife Reform Bill Passes Legislature"
Licensed professional midwives would be able to practice independently under a bill that passed the Senate on Wednesday by a vote of 61-0. "This is an important step forward for women's health," said Assembly Health Committee chair Richard N. Gottfried, author of the bill, A. 8117-B, which overwhelming passed the Assembly on Monday, June 28, by a vote of 95-17. The bill now heads to Governor David Paterson to be signed into law.
Professional midwives have been licensed in New York State for decades. They provide prenatal care, deliveries, and primary gynecological care. However, they are required to have a "written practice agreement" with an obstetrician or a hospital that provides obstetric services. The bill would repeal the requirement for a written practice agreement.
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