Sunday, June 10, 2007

Midwifery Legal Update - Wyoming

Wyoming news sources are reporting that Midwife Susan Merrill of Cheyenne has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and practicing medicine without a license following the death of a newborn in April of 2006. The articles go on to state:
The practice of lay midwifery has been illegal in Wyoming since 2003. However, Wyoming does allow for the practice of midwifery by Certified Nurse Midwives, CNMs. CNMs are registered nurses who have advanced training and skill in care of women and newborns at birth. CNMs are licensed by the Wyoming State Board of Nursing and practice in homes and hospitals.

Gladys Breeden of the Wyoming State Department of Vital Statistics claims to be aware of 8 lay midwives who practice in the State of Wyoming and one certified nurse midwife who practices legally with a Wyoming License. The Department of Vital Statistics is responsible for the filing of birth certificates in Wyoming.
A 2005 bill to legalize direct-entry midwifery was defeated by the Wyoming legislature.

Although the article states that ms. Merrill was denied a court-appointed attorney, my sources inform me that she has now obtained representation.

3 comments:

Kendra said...

Wow! I live in the Midwest and I have been told that my state does not have laws outlawing midwives, but there is also nothing that gives them "permission" to attend births. I have been told that it is "alegal". However, they would be responsible for major lawsuits if something did happen. It is a shame that midwives are there to help women and many are driven away from the field because they are afraid of lawsuits.

CNH said...

Deaths in hospital are considered a statistical eventuality. Deaths at home are considered manslaughter.

Something wrong with that picture.

smithjohn1285 said...

I have been told that it is "alegal". However, they would be responsible for major lawsuits if something did happen. It is a shame that midwives are there to help women and many are driven away from the field because they are afraid of lawsuits. Deaths in hospital are considered a statistical eventuality. Deaths at home are considered manslaughte.
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