Health and Fitness : Efforts result in victory for Midwifery in Iowa

Kim Reynolds, Governor, announced the passing of bill HF 887: A bill for an act removing birth centers from the meaning of institutional health facility.
Passage of the bill has been a long hard battle for Iowa Midwives. In less than two years after Iowa passed the midwifery licensure, a bill that removes the barrier that has kept midwives from opening birth centers, HF887 passed unanimously out of the Iowa House and Senate.
"I can hardly believe that after 30+ years of midwives pushing for change, two very big things happened in two years. Yes, yes I did tear up while watching this vote," said Bethany Hantz of Shiphrah Birth Services.Following the signature of Governor Reynolds DIAL (Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing) will need to create the rules. Hantz said, "Assuming the rules are what they should be, midwives can begin the work of opening birth centers in Iowa.Iowa has so much work to do when it comes to improving maternal healthcare, but we're making progress.I'm grateful to all of the legislators who have taken the time to listen to midwives and families while striving to make meaningful changes. It gives me hope and only serves to fuel the passion I have to keep working to make Iowa better."
The Friends of Iowa Midwives joined Governor Reynolds as she signed HF887, and thanked all who advocated by email, lobbied in person, attended a subcommittee, testified in the House and Senate, or donated to the cause. In a statement they said, "Thank you to the midwives and families who shared their stories. Thank you to everyone who worked towards the passage of this bill.
Special thanks to the team that pulled it together this session: Caitlin Hainley, Bethany Hantz, Rachel Bruns, Sarah Sorvillo, Belinda Lassen, and Megan Day.
Thank you to the legislators: Rep Bobby Kauffman, Representatives Shannon Lundgren and Heather Matson, Senators Mike Klimmesh, Kara Warme, Mike Pike and Sarah Trone-Garriott."
To visit Shiphrah Birth Services visit the website here.