LEGAL STATUS OF MIDWIFERY IN WISCONSIN

On May 1st, 2007, Wisconsin midwives celebrated the enactment of Act 292, the law to license Certified Professional Midwives.

It was a two year journey, with more twists and turns than a roller coaster where the proposal nearly died dozens of times, but the legislation ultimately passed both houses of the Wisconsin legislature on January 31st, 2006 and was signed by the governor on April 10th, 2006. In Wisconsin, bills are enacted 13 months after they are signed, so we used this time period to create our rules and get them approved.

The ceremony honored our main sponsors, Gregg Underheim and Glenn Grothman, as well as Celia Jackson, secretary of the Department of Regulation and Licensing (which oversees our profession). Ms. Jackson helped us get our rules enacted expediently when it was critical to do so, and received the Wisconsin Guild of Midwive's Second Annual Martha Ballard Award in recognition of Outstanding Leadership in Maternal and Infant Health.

Jane presenting Celia Jackson with the Martha Ballard Award

The honor of the official "first" license was given to Jane Peterson, our Guild President who worked tirelessly with the amazing Katie Prown to make this law a reality.

Jane Peterson, Wisconsin Guild President

You can read the law at http://www.legis.state.wi.us/2005/data/acts/05Act292.pdf.

The Rules that govern the practice of Licensed Midwifery are available here:

Home | Midwifery Legal Status
Friends of Wisconsin Midwives | Interviewing a Midwife | Find a Wisconsin Midwife
What To Expect From Midwifery Care | Articles of Association | Bylaws
Membership Requirements | Education | Contact Us | Links