Nebraska CNM Petition

We, the undersigned are concerned citizens. In Nebraska the status of Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) is severely restricted. Research shows that CNMs can not only provide better birth outcomes for healthy pregnancies and births, but can also save individuals and the state money at the same time. In Nebraska many CNMs are unable to find work because of restrictive policies that force them to either not practice midwifery, or leave the state to find work elsewhere. CNMs are unable to open much-needed Birth Centers and they are forbidden to attend home-births.

We demand better access to midwifery care!

2008 Nebraska Statistics*

27.7\% of births are induced. Another 29.8\% of labors are augmented. 31\% end in caesarean section and more than half of those are NOT emergency caesareans.*
Around 5\% of births are instrumental deliveries, requiring forceps or a vacuum.*

In 2007 37\% of Nebraska births were paid for by Medicaid.

During labor and birth, around 1/3 of woman have an epidural, general or spinal anesthetic, and 92\% of woman have an episiotomy

Post traumatic stress disorder is increasing for women

Woman are reported feeling frightened or alone during labor.

When woman are cared for by Certified Nurse Midwives rather than Physicians, research shows:

33\% lower risk of neonatal mortality
31\% lower risk of low birth weight babies
19\% lower risk of infant mortality rate
12.2\% fewer interventions (e.g. unnecessary anesthesia, episiotomies, forceps/vacuums)
Up to 50\% lower c-section rates
Higher patient satisfaction
Feeling of greater control during labor.
Increased breastfeeding rates
Reduced cost of maternity services

As Nebraska citizens, we demand that every woman in Nebraska has access to Certified Nurse Midwives.

*http://www.hhs.state.ne.us/ced/VitalStatsReport08/vs08Pre.htm#SupplementalTables