McClain, Miller Work to Regulate Practice of Midwifery

Joe Lyons • June 25, 2024

COLUMBUS- State Representatives Riordan McClain (R-Upper Sandusky) and Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) introduced legislation last week which would allow midwives to help meet the needs of Ohio’s pregnant women by creating a midwifery licensure, protect traditional midwifery, and create an advisory council for midwives in the state of Ohio. House Bill 545 had its second hearing today in the Health Provider Services Committee.

“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 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.”

The bill creates a pathway for midwifery licensure for those who wish to do so. Certified midwives and licensed midwives are required to be licensed by the Ohio Board of Nursing (certified nurse-midwife or certified midwife) or the Department of Commerce (licensed midwife). House Bill 545 also creates eligibility requirements that certified and licensed midwives must meet to receive their license, including training and instruction. It also makes sure that traditional (lay) midwives can continue to operate without a licensure as they always have, as long as they received informed consent from their clients and carry out their limited scope of work, most notably, prohibiting the administration of drugs.

“I believe this legislation will benefit existing midwives, encourage others to become midwives, and reduce the number of maternity health deserts in Ohio,” said Miller. “If a woman wants a midwife for pregnancy, there are many types she can choose from that will give her different levels of care.”

The legislation will also create a Licensed Midwifery Advisory Council within the Ohio Department of Commerce and requires it to advise and make recommendations to the Department regarding the practice and regulation of licensed midwives. The Council will consist of nine (9) members including:

• One (1) certified nurse-midwife and one (1) certified midwife or certified nurse-midwife appointed to the Board of Nursing

• Four (4) licensed midwives, including one practicing in an urban setting and one serving a plain Amish or Mennonite community

• One (1) physician who is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology and with experience consulting with midwives

• One (1) physician who is board-certified in neonatal medicine and with experience consulting with midwives

• One (1) member of the public who has experience utilizing or receiving midwifery services in locations other than hospitals.

“Allowing midwives to flourish in meeting the needs of pregnant women will lead to better outcome for Ohio families,” said Miller.

House Bill 545 will continue to have hearings in the Health Provider Services Committee.