Midwifery, home births face continued study

Defining the circumstances in which direct-entry midwives can help Utah women deliver their babies at home will be studied over the summer.

The bill faced emotional opposition from the midwifery community and women who support home birth. SB243 sponsor Sen. Margaret Dayton, R-Orem, acknowledged that opposition Friday and asked that the issue be studied during the legislative interim period.

SB243 would have defined what constitutes a "normal" pregnancy, labor and delivery — the areas in which licensed direct-entry midwives are now allowed to provide care.

Two years ago, the Legislature passed the Direct-Entry Midwife Act, which for the first time allowed the midwives to be licensed by the state. The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing has spent the past two years defining "normal" situations, but many, including the Utah Medical Association, believe the rules are broader than lawmakers originally intended

Dayton reiterated that the issue is not about restricting home birth — the former labor and delivery nurse and wife of a retired obstetrician says she supports the choice — but it is simply a licensure issue.

"There is a need for this definition to take place," she said.