A “final push” to pass legislation that would allow midwives to become licensed in Michigan will take center stage at a special event tonight (Thursday) at the City Opera House.

Nonprofit advocacy groups Friends of Michigan Midwives and Michigan Midwives Association will join with Traverse City midwifery practice Dance of Life to host a benefit concert and silent auction at 6pm. Organizers hope to raise funds to support lobbying efforts in Lansing for House Bill 4598, which would make midwifery a licensed and regulated profession in the state.

Michigan is one of roughly 20 states where licensing is not offered for midwives. Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) are licensed medical professionals in all 50 states, but are primarily employed by hospitals or physician practices and specialize in hospital births. For those midwives working outside the system – Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs), who focus exclusively on out-of-hospital births in homes or independent birthing centers – licensing offers a path forward into industry legitimacy and increased public trust.

Kathi Mulder (pictured above) is a CPM at Dance of Life and has been assisting with out-of-hospital births for 25 years. She says that while the number of women turning to midwives continues to rise, barriers still exist in non-licensing states to choosing that option.

“In Michigan, 50 percent of the babies born are born to women on Medicaid,” Mulder says. “In states where CPMs are licensed, insurance companies are more likely to cover costs. But without a license to practice, they won’t pay for an out-of-hospital birth.”

Licensing would establish a professional Michigan midwifery board to regulate the industry and respond to consumer complaints. It would also require midwives to meet established educational and training criteria, and to pay annual licensing fees. “It tells the consumer the provider has gone through this process and is regulated,” says Mulder. 

HB 4598 has received support from local representatives including Rep. Larry Inman (R-Traverse City) and Sen. Wayne Schmidt (R-Traverse City). In December, it cleared the Michigan House of Representatives by a 79-25 vote. The bill next heads to the Senate and Governor. While the legislation has faced tough obstacles in the past – including resistance from healthcare industry groups opposed to out-of-hospital births – Mulder is optimistic the bill could finally move forward.

“We should have a (Senate) hearing before too long,” she says. “There’s definitely good support and momentum.”

Kat Eldred is a local musician who has helped organize several benefit concerts supporting Michigan midwives, including tonight's event. The mother of two used Mulder for both of her children’s births, which took place in Eldred's home. “That was my comfort space and where I felt the safest,” Eldred says. “With the midwife standard of care, it’s not just a couple interactions (leading up to the birth). You get intimate time to build your relationship and trust with them…talking through all of your insecurities and concerns and questions, and getting real answers.”

Both women say an out-of-hospital birth isn’t appropriate for every pregnancy, but when it's viable, licensing midwives in Michigan can help ensure it’s a regulated and affordable option.

“It’s not a blanket policy in any way,” says Eldred. “But it should be easily available for those who can safely do it.”

The Friends of Michigan Midwives benefit concert and silent auction will take place tonight (Thursday) at the City Opera House. Doors open at 6pm, music at 7pm. Musical acts include The Crane Wives, May Erlewine, Seth Bernard and E Minor. Tickets are $25 for adults or $10 for children under 13 (babes in arms free). For more information, click here.

Photo credit: Melisa McKolay