Delaware to weigh new regulations for midwives

Randall Chase reports for the Associated Press:

DOVER -- While a bill allowing certified professional midwives more freedom to practice their trade remains stalled in the Legislature, state health officials are proposing regulatory changes that would give midwives more career options.

Changes to be discussed Tuesday at a hearing in Dover would allow freestanding birth centers in Delaware to hire certified professional midwives. Currently, clinical staffing for birth centers is restricted to physicians and certified nurse midwives.

Certified professional midwives have completed education and training in midwifery but are not licensed nurses.