A measure to legalize certified professional midwives remains in limbo after testimonies from Illinois pediatricians.
Illinois midwives and pediatricians testified before the House Health Care Licenses Committee about a proposal by Evanston Democratic Rep. Robyn Gabel to regulate certified professional midwives. The committee took no vote on the issue.
A leader from the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics says Gabel's bill needs to include provisions that would allow midwives and physicians to collaborate. Midwives say homebirths are a safe option for mothers and babies.
Gabel says The American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists now has a neutral stance on the plan after years of opposition. The state has not issued licenses to midwives since 1963.
