Shepherd’s Law, providing for licensure of midwives, becomes law
OKLAHOMA CITY – Legislation creating a system for licensing midwives has been signed into law. Senate Bill 1823, creating Shepherd’s Law, was signed into law Monday by Gov. Kevin Stitt.
State Sen. Brenda Stanley, a former educator, is principal author of SB 1823, also known as Shepherd’s Law, named for the baby of a former student--the infant died a day after a planned home delivery that went wrong. Stanley, R-Midwest City, expressed her thanks to supporters inside and outside the Capitol for helping move the bill all the way through the process. Stanley noted that Certified Professional Midwives are already regulated in 34 other states. She said getting SB 1823 signed into law is an important step for Oklahoma.
“Shepherd’s Law provides for licensure, oversight, accountability, informed consent, and preserves parental choice about who they want to use, whether it’s an obstetrician, a lay-midwife, or a licensed, certified midwife,” Stanley said. “Ultimately, I believe this bill will help us better protect the health and safety of mothers and babies.”
Read more »
from MuskogeePolitico.com
