Protecting Birth Options

Virginia Licensed Midwives are in danger of losing one of their strongest advocates. Virginia Midwives Alliance pays $6050 a year to our lobbyist, who is vital to the successful continuation of licensed midwifery practice in VA.  She continuously watches the General Assembly for legislation that could restrict our scope of practice.  Our lobbyist protects the license of every Licensed Midwife practicing in Virginia.

As you may be aware, there are many threats to Licensed Midwives, including powerful medical organizations who have their own lobbyists and a lot of money to influence politics in Virginia. These organizations support efforts to restrict the practice of Licensed Midwives and limit the birth options available to Virginia families. We must remain vigilant and continue to protect the rights of Virginia families to give birth in the way they feel is right for them.

If we did not have a lobbyist, then one of the organizations opposed to out-of-hospital birth would surely initiate legislation that would either restrict our scope of practice or eradicate our legal practice altogether.  

In 2014, our income from dues was $3,850. Our expenses, including our lobbyist fees, website hosting, and 800 number, were $6,375. At our current rate of membership, we will not be able to pay our lobbyist in 2016. Without our lobbyist, our licensure is in danger.

Please help us continue to fund our efforts to protect Licensed Midwives and the options for Virginia families to give birth with them.