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.