Representatives Miller and McClain Provide Sponsor Testimony on Bill Expanding Midwifery Services in Ohio

COLUMBUS-State Representatives Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) this week provided sponsor testimony on House Bill 537 in the House Children and Human Services Committee. The bill works to expand access to midwifery services by creating a new licensure framework for midwives in Ohio.

"The miracle of birth is an awe-inspiring event and isn't simply a procedure to be rushed as long as mom and baby are doing well," said Representative McClain. "Midwives provide a time-tested approach to prenatal care and childbirth that guides the mother through the natural processes to bringing a healthy baby from their womb into their arms."

"We believe that this legislation will benefit existing midwives, encourage others to become midwives, and reduce the number of maternity health deserts in Ohio," said Representative Miller.

The bill includes the following provisions:

• Provides a new, optional licensure framework for midwives;
• Ensures that traditional (lay) midwives can continue to operate without licensure as they always have as long as they receive informed consent from their clients and carry out their limited scope of work;
• Creates the Licensed Midwifery Advisory Council to advise and make recommendations to the Department of Commerce regarding the practice and regulation of licensed midwives.
• Recognizes May 5th as the "Day of the Midwife."
  
  

Additionally, House Bill 537 requires that hospitals with a maternity unit must agree to a written transfer agreement with any freestanding birthing center that requests it if that center is located within 30 miles of the hospital. This update addresses a need in rural parts of the state in which access to medical care can be scarce, creating critical situations for expecting mothers if there is an emergency and they need urgent medical assistance. This provision was included in the House-passed version of the state operating budget but was ultimately vetoed.

House Bill 537 was introduced last year as House Bill 224, however, the bill was reintroduced to include additional measures that work to expand access to midwifery services.

Watch the sponsor testimony here.