By Todd & Nadine West

Our first home birth was in the state of Washington where we were free to hire a midwife to assist us. We have always supported midwifery and home birth, but have not been “on the front lines” so to speak for this great cause. Well, this year was an eye-opener for us, as well as many other families in South Dakota. Now we truly realize that we are going to have to stand up and fight if we want to see changes in our midwifery laws. So many other states provide skilled midwives for their home birth families, why can’t ours?

The words: committee hearings, house floor, legislators, and lobbyists all took on new meaning for us during the first two months of this year. We had been to the Capitol, made our phone calls and written to the legislators before…but this year was different. So many people with the same thoughts and feelings came together as a large family to fight for our rights to have midwives attend our home births – a right that has only recently been taken away from the families of South Dakota.

Many eyes and hearts have been opened this year at the Capitol. Many of our legislators now understand the need for midwives to assist South Dakota’s home birth families, thanks to so many who have taken time out of their busy days to educate their legislators about this need. Many of us have learned that our legislators are not scary people. Their mission is to go to the Capitol to represent us. We are so pleased to say that 4 of our area representatives voted in support of our bill on the House floor, because they heard from many of their constituents throughout the year about why having a midwife to attend their births was so important to them.

Although we gained many supporters at the Capitol this year, there are still many more who need convincing. We learned just how strong our opposition is, and how easily they can sway legislators who are not well educated about midwives. Our bill passed through the HHS Committee. Our spirits soared! Then the medical lobbyists took full advantage of the next two days, brought in their troops and canvassed the House. They did a lot of damage in a short amount of time. [Next year we will need to have a much larger team to stay in the Capitol and fend off their attacks during this crucial time.] What we saw, felt and heard awoke us to the reality of what we are up against. Our bill was killed, but not our
spirit!

Our new lobbyist, Paul Levijoki, performed a great service for us in Pierre, and we would like to extend to him our sincere thanks for all his hard work. After he left the Capitol, he didn’t feel his job was done, as many lobbyists do. His heart is for midwives and the families who need them. Many men have really become involved, and together with Paul we REALLY encourage more to do so. This is not just a women’s issue, this is an issue regarding Freedom for SD Families!

This battle is just beginning, and we hope all of you will keep in contact with your legislators. Send them bits of information throughout the year. This is crucial! Let’s not let them forget how important this issue is to us. We have a lot of work left to do, but if we all do a little bit, it will make a huge difference next January.

Midwives have done so much for the families of South Dakota! What are we willing to do for them?

Todd & Nadine West and their 5 daughters live near Hayti, SD.