SPRINGFIELD—State Representative Amy Grant (R-Wheaton) is co-sponsoring legislation this year with hopes of improving outcomes for women who choose to give birth at home.
SJR 14 would create the Home Birth Maternity Care Crisis Study Committee, which would research and bring forward a consumer-focused, evidence-based solution to the current dangers associated with having an inadequate number of licensed home birth providers to care for women during all phases of pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period.
“I’m co-sponsoring this bill because 33 of 50 states protect their citizens in this way through licensing and regulation of community midwives,” said Grant. “Illinois is surrounded on three sides by states (Wisconsin, Indiana, Missouri) that set educational standards for their community midwives, license and regulate them, allow them to have access to life-saving oxygen and medications, allow them to perform life-saving newborn screenings, and allow them to openly transport to a hospital in an emergency. Adequate maternity care providers must be a priority for Illinois and protecting the rights of women.”
In addition to one member being appointed by each of the four legislative leaders, the committee would be composed of members representing the following departments and associations:
- IL Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- professional midwives
- advanced practice nursing
- nurse-midwives
- hospitals
- lawyers
- pediatricians
- obstetricians and gynecologists
- doctors
- a consumer organization
- a practicing nursing association
“There are a lot of women in the 42nd district who choose to give birth at home and they deserve a level of care that maximizes opportunities for a safe and healthy birth,” Grant said. “It’s a pleasure to co-sponsor this resolution in the House.”
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