National Organization for Women expands reproductive freedom to include midwifery model
of care
The National Organization for Women (NOW), at its 1999 National
Conference, expanded their position on reproductive freedom to include the midwifery model of
care. The National Organization for women, founded on June 30, 1966, is "dedicated to making legal,
political, social and economic change in our society in order to achieve our goal, which is to eliminate
sexism and end all oppression." The organization's purpose is "to take action to bring women into full
participation in the mainstream of American society now, exercising all privileges and responsibilities
thereof in truly equal partnership with men." [FAQ,
NOW]
The actual text of the resolution follows.
WHEREAS, the National Organization for Women (NOW) has long supported reproductive freedom as
a priority issue; and
WHEREAS, NOW believes that women should have complete authority over their reproductive lives;
and
WHEREAS, reproductive freedom not only includes the ability to decide whether or when to bear
children, but also the right to devise a birth plan with a medical provider of their choice
in either a hospital or an alternative setting such as a freestanding birth center or private
residence; and
WHEREAS, women have historically given birth with midwives; and
WHEREAS, the practice of midwifery has many benefits including lower costs, lower rates of
premature births, higher rates of breastfeeding; and greater satisfaction with the birthing
experience; and has been endorsed by the World Health Organization; and
WHEREAS, midwifery has a lower incidence of medical interventions during the birthing process,
including the routine use of episiotomies and Caesarean sections; and
WHEREAS, women’s access to midwifery and traditional birthing practices many times is limited
by restrictive laws and non-coverage by private insurance companies and state-subsidized
funding;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that NOW's policy statements, brochures, and fact sheets concerning
reproductive freedom include references to birthing choices, safe childbearing practices,
midwifery; and
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that NOW work in cooperation with state and national midwifery
organizations to increase women's access to midwifery and community awareness of childbirth,
pregnancy, and early parenting choices.
