Legislation proposed to close gap in midwife practice in Nebraska

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Judy Jones is 77. She believes her work as a midwife is a calling from God.

The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office filed a criminal complaint against her.

Jones is charged with disregarding a cease-and-desist from the state by delivering a baby. The issue is midwives must operate under Nebraska law, but Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair says that’s the gray area he’s trying to fix.

“[Midwives] have been under attack or scrutiny from county attorneys based on their ability to deliver children at home,” said Hansen.

In response, Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair introduced and prioritized LB676.

“Hopefully this will be the least controversial bills of the session,” he said.

As it stands, current law only addresses certified nurse midwives, not certified professional midwives. Judy jones is a professional midwife, not a nurse midwife.

Several other states specifically recognize what Jones is and does as a professional midwife. Nebraska does not. Therefore, the state says she needs credentialing if she helps deliver babies.

In this court document, the Nebraska attorney general’s team argues that failing to meet state credentialing standards: “…puts the lives of expectant mothers and their babies at risk by allowing undertrained and underqualified persons to provide midwifery services.”

Hansen says his bill outlines regulations.

“There was nothing in statute that put guardrails in place to make sure things were regulated. And that’s what this bill aims to do,” said Hansen.

Hansen wrote an official letter in support of Jones, but this bill, he says, is for parents too.

“We’d like to get some more of those natural approaches to delivering a child,” said Hansen. “We’re calling this the mom-nibus bill.”

Jones’ case is still in court being reviewed by a judge on whether the lawsuit violates her religious freedom.

Opponents who testified against Hansen’s bill include the Nebraska Hospital and Medical Associations. Hansen says he’s been working with them to address their concerns in the bill.

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