Group wants legislation requiring midwife certification

JACKSON — A Mississippi group is seeking legislation to require certification for midwives, but the state Medical Association opposes the bills.

The Mississippi Friends of Midwives says lack of certification standards is dangerous for mothers and children.

More women are giving birth at home and the group argues that standards of qualification would increase the likelihood of safe births.

The Mississippi State Medical Association says certified nurse midwives — who tend to work in hospitals — are better trained and that creating new certification requirements would lower the standard of care.

But the Friends group wants all midwives in Mississippi to meet North American Registry of Midwives certification standards.

Bills to do so are in committee in the House and Senate. The committees have until tomorrow to act on them.