Recently the Maximizing Optimal Maternity Services for the 21st Century bill was introduced in Congress. It needs our support and the support of our legislative bodies to become a reality. In this bill there would be more educational funding for more midwives (CNM and CPM) and family practice doctors to enter the workforce. These care providers offer lower-cost, less intervention heavy care for pregnant women. This adds up to less cesareans and better care for women in general. It also helps to increase the awareness of the public regarding racial disparities and evidence-based medicine. This can help close the gaps in maternity care.
True to form the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have introduced their own "MOMS" bill. They have taken some of the key points of the MOMS Bill introduced in July and turned them around to suit OB/GYNs. Is this a surprise that a lobbying organization to protect the interests of OB/GYNs should do this? No, but it is underhanded to name their bill an approximation. And it takes the collaborative aspect out of the equation and reinforces the paternalistic nature of the current medical maternity model.
So please support the MOMS bill introduce by Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard. Let ACOG know you cannot be swayed by clever relabeling and faulty research. Let your Congressperson know you stand for evidence-based, low-cost and effective maternity care from an array of providers.
