Abstract

This issue’s “Legal Briefing” column covers recent legal developments involving home birth and midwifery in the United States. Specifically, we focus on new legislative, regulatory, and judicial acts that impact women’s access to direct entry (non-nurse) midwives. We categorize these legal developments into the following 12 categories. 1. Background and History2. Certified Nurse-Midwives3. Direct Entry Midwives4. Prohibition of Direct Entry Midwives5. Enforcement of Prohibition6. Challenges to Prohibition7. Forbearance without License8. Voluntary Licensure9. Unclear and Uncertain Status10. Growth of DEM Licensure11. Licensure Restrictions12. Medicaid Coverage.