TfM - Letter from the President

The last year was one of hard work and success for the support of Midwifery in Texas. It was wonderful to see everyone come together and make such an impact on both the rules revision and the legislative session! It was an exciting and victorious year!

As we look ahead into this new year, we know there is more important work ahead. When the Midwifery Act comes up for Sunset Review in 2005, we can not be rallying together support at the last moments. It is very important that we work with the Association of Texas Midwives to lay the ground work now, in the months of 2004. There are still so many ways you can help impact the future of midwifery.

In the time ahead it is important to help by contacting your Representatives and Legislators by mail, email, or phone and express your desire and right to have access to midwifery care and homebirth. When they are made aware, Legislators do care about Bi-partisan issues affecting members in their districts. Share your concern or outrage that access to CNM care has been hindered by the closing of Hospital CNM Programs in Texas. This would also be a good time to include the need for expanded access to midwifery care payment by Medicaid and Insurance providers. If your Representatives or Senators were among those who supported midwifery in legislation last year, please thank them again for their past support (a list of some of the main supporters is below).

Thanks with Senate Bill 161:
Rep. Carl Isett 463-0676
Rep. Norma Chavez 463-0622
Rep. Elliott Naishtat 463-0668
Rep. Debbie Riddle 463-0572
Rep. Robert L. “Robby” Cook 463-0682
Rep. Elizabeth Ames Jones 463-0686

Thanks with help on House Bill 1483:
Senator Bob Deuell 463-0102
Senator Jane Nelson 463-0112
Senator Mario Gallegos 463-0106
Senator Senator John Carona 463-0116
Senator Jon Lindsay 463-0107
Senator Bill Ratliff 463-0101
Senator Royce West 463-0123
Senator Judith Zaffirini 463-0121
Senator Zedler 463-0374

Your support, passion, and action are what make Texans for Midwifery possible! By being a part of TfM, you help raise awareness of the benefits and need for increased access to the midwifery model of care. If you have not renewed your TfM membership this year, please take a few minutes to visit this link and again pledge your support for access to midwife birth: