In a 5-2 ruling yesterday, Missouri Supreme Court ruled on the constitutionality of a line in a 2007 law legalizing Certified Professional Midwives. Thank goodness.
A sigh of relief. After the ugly political tactics that I’m sure took place last session (I was only there twice but I saw enough…) I am relieved to see that justice did have it’s day afterall.
This issue isn’t about a handful of crunchy, granola eating, Burkenstock wearing women who want to birth their babies at home.
This issue isn’t about hating doctors, hospitals or the medical profession.
This issue isn’t about money, power or control.
This issue isn’t, TRULY, even about midwifery or homebirth at all.
This is is about personal choice and freedom. It is about having the right to exercise CHOICE over our bodies and how they are treated.
And I am glad that the Missouri Supreme Court heard the case for what it was. Doctors neither have the right to “represent patients” nor do they have the right to limit access to healthcare.
Whether or not you, or I, agree with the philosophy behind homebirth is little more than a side dish in this debate. This issue is about freedom. I am relieved to see that the Missouri Supreme Court stands for those freedoms.
Dar a Luz Women's Care 
Congratulations! To all of us! Though my state is still battling, every victory somewhere is a step closer for all of us. Thanks for being one of the ones visible in the fight. I have such pride when I look at photos taken of my children any myself at various breastfeeding and midwifery rallies. It’s one of the beauties in our nation, that we have the right to protest. And I’m proud to take part, and excited to see positive results attained!
I had not heard this. So this means women can have home births in Missouri now??? Or am I misunderstanding you??
Hooray for the Right!
However we are still in dire straits here in MO. The midwifes have left us for more ‘favorable’ waters, we are left with no choices still.
I have searched for a midwife to assist my home birth, to no avail. I found a well informed and well intentioned Midwife 48 miles away from my home, however she is employed by the hospital and not allowed to attend HB.
So this law change IS a baby step, but we still have a long way to go. (speaking from the 16 week pregnant standpoint, as I will be forced to labor with out midwifery assistance…. not that I can’t birth alone but we are talking about choices!)
Thanks for your encouraging words…..Dee