Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) on Monday signed a bill (SB 477) that regulates licensing procedures for midwives in the state, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. Under the new law, people who do not have a license in midwifery are prohibited from referring to themselves as midwives (Doege, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/9). In addition, only those who have certified professional midwife credentials from the North American Registry of Midwives or certified nurse-midwife credentials from the American College of Nurse Midwives will be granted midwife licenses in the state, according to the law. The state Department of Regulation and Licensing is responsible for establishing and enforcing the rules (Office of Governor release, 4/10). People who do not abide by the law will be subject to discipline by state regulators or taken to court, where they could be fined up to $250 or sentenced to prison for up to three months, the law says (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/9). Doyle said, "For parents who choose home birth, it is important to make sure that midwifery is practiced under a regulatory framework so they know that their midwife is properly trained and accredited," adding, "The new licensing requirements will help to make sure that births performed by midwives are safe for the baby and mother" (Office of Governor release, 4/10). Katie Prown of the Wisconsin Guild of Midwives, which lobbied for passage of the bill, said there are about 15 Wisconsin residents who would qualify for midwife licenses and 15 more in training (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 3/9).

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