Governor JB Pritzker is signing a new law that sets up a state licensing system for midwives in Illinois.
The governor says reproductive health is not one-size-fits-all, and that expectant mothers deserve options.
Pritzker says, “That includes the services of traditional midwives, whose guidance before and during delivery, as well as for vital postpartum care, can be life-saving. It’s all the more notable in light of our nation’s tragically high maternal mortality rates, especially among black and brown mothers.”
The law is a long time coming says representative Robyn Gabel of Evanston, giving certified professional midwives the recognition they deserve.
Gabel says, “They are professionally trained to deliver home births, and this bill will allow them to be licensed to do so in our state. Home births with a certified midwife offer a safe alternative to a traditional hospital setting, and I am glad we are making this option official.”
The law requires midwives to meet certain certification and educational standards in order to be licensed by the state. It goes into effect in October of next year.
