I am a Virginia midwife, and have previously held a midwifery license in another state. A flaw in our regulations prevents Virginia midwives from serving the public health and safety of Virginians to the best of their training, skills, and abilities. Part of our training at a national level for Certified Professional Midwives includes the carrying and administering of certain medications, which may be required or requested at the time of birth. Furthermore, state laws require that a newborn be administered certain drugs within 24 hours of birth. Every Licensed Midwife is certified at the national level to carry and administer these medications, but the current midwifery laws in Virginia prevent them from carrying or administering them.   

Midwives who are licensed in other states have access to these medications because having access to medications is an essential component to provide safe community birth, and a normal part of midwifery.  There are many examples from other states who have developed reliable pathways for midwives to have access to the medications we are trained to use so that families can be offered the safest care.  It is reasonable and necessary to change this so that midwives can carry and administer appropriate medications in Virginia.