Friday, June 6, 2008

Hardball tactics

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) is strongly opposed to licensure of Certified Professional Midwives in any state. Don't be fooled by "college" in the name -- this is a trade union, not an academic organization. In a 2007 statement the describe the grassroots supporters, from all political categories, who come out to the Capitol day after day to ask legislators to give us access to midwives. How have these bills been defeated? From ACOG's statement:

"For example, in Missouri, 'lay' midwife bills get introduced year
after year. These bills have been stopped -- up to now -- mainly by
deft political maneuvering and hardball tactics employed by the State
Medical Society, not by any persuasive testimony about comparative
safety or quality of care."