Using a CPM in illegal states

[iris427]

I'm looking into my options right now for delivery.

Unfortunately, direct-entry midwifery is illegal in my state. There aren't any CNMs who do deliveries here either, and the nearest birth center is 2.5 hours away.

Is there anyone here who is using or has used a CPM in a state where it is not legal for them to practice? How did you find your midwife? How did payment work? Were you worried about possible legal issues?

[Jennisee]

As far as I know, in every state where DEM's are illegal, it is the midwife who is breaking a law, not the mother.

To find a DEM, ask around at things like LLL meetings, API meetings, babywearing groups, etc. Definitely ask in your state subforum in the Finding Your Tribe forum. You might also see if there are any groups in your state working to legalize midwifery because they might be able to put you into contact. You might also try contacting some of the CNM's in your state to see if they know any DEM's in your area.

Often, people "in the know" won't give YOU the midwife's information, but they are willing to give your information to the midwife so that she may contact you.

[wendy1221]

Actually, my rabbi told me about ours. She had homebirths w/ her 3 kids. I could also have found out at LLL.

[xixstar]

Is there anyone here who is using or has used a CPM in a state where it is not legal for them to practice? How did you find your midwife? How did payment work? Were you worried about possible legal issues?

I asked my doula friend and also in my tribe area on here for recommendations. It wasn't hard to find someone. I was surprised that my CPM mw can still process insurance claims -- woohoo-- I was worried I'd be stuck with a CNM option (not at bad option, just didn't want to be limited in my options) because of insurance/cost concerns.

I'm not worried about any legal issues and am also very honest with myself and my partner that the reality of birth is that sometimes things can go wrong and that it doesn't mean that it was my mw's fault!

[doctormom]

As far as I know, in every state where DEM's are illegal, it is the midwife who is breaking a law, not the mother.

:yeah:

Typically, CPM's aren't harassed for the "illegal" practice of medicine unless something goes wrong...homebirth is pretty discreet unless you need a hospital transfer.

I was a little concerned about how to find a DEM - it's not like they advertise! - but there is an active homebirthing group in my area which is a great resource for referrals, and I agree with the PP that LLL and API are also a good place to find homebirthing families and midwife referrals. An MDC mama that I met at API was the one who introduced me to the CPM who will attend our birth in March.

[rad]

We're using a CPM and IL will not license them. I found mine by getting in touch with a midwife in WI (wher they are licensed), asking her if she knew of anyone near me and her referring me to my CPM. I also got her name from going to the Citizens for Midwifery site and finding the IL groups and asking there. When you interview, your midwife will usually go over the legal status and how that effects you, more in the case of a transfer. But like everyone else mentioned, it's the midwife who takes the chance since she's the one "practicing medicine without a license" and they usually don't do anything to prosecute her unless something goes wrong.