New Maine Midwifery Rules Reflect Licensure Drive around US

Maine's midwives face a new set of rules designed to make home-birth safer thanks to a bill that is reflective of changes to the profession around the country.

The legislature passed a bill that requires Maine midwives be licensed by the state. It also sets educational requirements and standards for data collection with an eye toward improving safety.

Maine midwife Eleanor Daniels, who supports licensure, says 29 states require licenses of midwives and efforts are afoot in just about every other state to create a path to licensure.

Not everyone supports the changes. St. Albans midwife Jill Breen says she fears they'll drive some midwives underground.

Maine's midwife rules go into effect in 2020. Republican Gov. Paul LePage vetoed the legislation, but an April override saved it. (AP)