Where are homebirth VBACs legal? - Page 3

[danotoyou2]

It is legal in WA state, to have a VBAC at home. But (and this is a big but), it can be very difficult to find a midwife willing to attend a HBAC. Some midwives do, and if anything went wrong (as things do in birth), they were turned into the state and 'punished' (insurance privs taken away, under strict supervision, etc).
One midwife told me that one hospital in particular told her that if she ever transferred a VBAC patient to the hospital, REGARDLESS OF THE OUTCOME, they would turn her in for negligence. This is despite the fact that it's legal in WA. BTW, she continues to attend HBACs.
So, even though HBAC is legal here, I'd probably cross WA of the list Too bad, because it's otherwise a great and progressive state.

[jrojala]

We have a nice little homebirth community in Minnesota...

[Jenlaana]

Originally Posted by christyc

Well, you have to differentiate between direct entry midwives and CNMs, in many states. I'm in SC too, and as you probably know it's illegal for a direct entry midwife to attend an HBAC, which SUCKS. CNMs can attend HBACs in SC, though no CNMs in the state will do homebirths (that I know of, and I really looked hard before deciding to travel out of state for my birth).

Christy, just curious if you'd mind sharing where you went out of state to birth your babe? I am in SC as well, and ended up having to birth unassisted because I was not informed until 7 months that my doctors wouldn't allow a VBAC (even in the hospital) and then I decided to use a midwife and found out that no midwife in the entire state was willing to touch me. Even my doula (who had already been paid for in full) backed out on me and kept the money... :

I just found out that I'm pregnant again and am trying to figure out what I'm going to do now that I have more time to plan it all out. I loved my last homebirth, but really wish I could have someone there, even if just for a 3rd set of hands and to do any stitching afterwards etc.

[Seeking Refuge]

Practicing as a direct-entry midwife is still illegal in Washington, D.C. and the following states: Alabama, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, South Dakota and Wyoming.


There is pending legislation
* Alabama
* Illinois
* Indiana
* Missouri
* North Dakota
* South Dakota
* Utah
* Virginia

Iowa is also entertaining the Iowa Health Freedom Act which would afford midwives some legal protection but not complete.

Edited to add: I believe certified nurse midwives can attend homebirths legally in all states but good luck finding one, there is one in Iowa that I am aware of and another direct entry midwife in the process of getting certified as a nurse midwife.

[MAMom]

Originally Posted by Mama Coltrane

I live in NH. HBACs are legal here and in VT and are also covered by Medicaid.

Yes, NHCMs can attend HBACs but only after 1 prior cesarean, not HBAmC.

[dlm194]

Originally Posted by Seeking Refuge

Edited to add: I believe certified nurse midwives can attend homebirths legally in all states but good luck finding one, there is one in Iowa that I am aware of and another direct entry midwife in the process of getting certified as a nurse midwife.

Unfortunately, NJ is still an exception there. Any midwife risks losing her license by participating in an hbac. It doesn't mean you won't find one but it's not easy. If you need a hospital transfer for any reason, you are own your own.

[Ltlfaery]

It's legal in NV, although it's not regulated. However, the climate for overall VBACS (hospitals, obs etc) is not so great.

[jessjillbolyer]

I have been told in LA its not legal for HVBAC births. Or at least the midwives in my area won't touch me because of me wanting a VBAC.

[rmzbm]

The HB enviornment here in GA is BAD. I am going UC as I can't even FIND a mw...I do have a slight fear of having to transfer & them freaking & calling CPS or something...but that fear won't stop me. I'll be fine - I just don't like that, should I need to transfer, I'm REALLY screwed.