A Message from Megan, FOIM Lobbyist

Hello!  My name is Megan Day, and I am lobbying on behalf of Friends of Iowa Midwives. 

I became involved in Friends of Iowa Midwives in Nov, 2008.  I have been a doula for 17 years, throughout Central, and Southern Iowa.  I am a stay-at-home mother of two little ladies, whom were born at home.  I have worn many hats, but my passion has always been birth related. 

I know first-hand, and from clients, the struggle families face when choosing a home-birth midwife. In Central Iowa, there are no CPM’s, and only 3 practicing CNM’s attending home birth.  The home births I’ve attended are beautiful, but they should be happening at a higher rate.  More low-risk families should be afforded the opportunity to use a Certified Professional Midwife, with the comfort of knowing she is legal and/or licensed.  More insurance companies should be covering the cost of home birth.  More hospitals should be friendly to transfers.  More people should be educated.  I had to do more. 

I attended a FOIM meeting in Nov of 2008, became involved, and attended a few lobbying days in 2009.  In 2010, I went to the Capitol on the first day of the session, to talk to our lobbyist, and my representative and senator.  I met with a few other legislators (as many as would speak to me).  I kept going back, until I ran out of people to talk with, realizing that most of the Representatives would take a few minutes to listen.  Suddenly, it was mid-session, and I was made aware that it was time to register as a “volunteer” lobbyist, before FOIM got in trouble for non-reporting.    

I understand why it’s important for families to choose the provider and place of birth.  I know the statistics, and I know what the current birth climate is first hand.  I also have the availability to be at the Capitol.  So, with that, and the connections I have made, I am now a “real” lobbyist.  

I attended each meeting at the Capitol we were invited to, as your representative.  I have spoken to your legislator, on your behalf.  I have worked with our sponsors, and our co-sponsors to bring this bill to the attention of the legislators. 

Last session we started with 13 Representatives supporting our issue, but we were never able to take a full committee vote. This year, we started with 17 sponsors, from both parties, and made it to the full committee.  Our assigned committee was State Government, who deals with licensing issues.  We had a committee vote, and came out with the majority in support of sending our bill to the floor for a full House vote.  We never did see a full floor vote in the House, nor did we see any action in the Senate.  Our bill rested.  However, what we came away with was many, many more bipartisan supporters.  Next session, we start over with sub-committees.

There will be many times this upcoming session when I reach out for your support.  Legislators don’t mind hearing from me, but they LOVE hearing from you, their constituent.  They hold town meetings or coffees, and look for your there.  If they are not hearing or seeing constituents in support of the legislation, they assume there is no interest in their community for that issue.  There is certainly strong opposition, and they do hear from them.  This is why your support is key!  

I hope you remain committed to Friends of Iowa Midwives while we push for the legalization and licensure of midwives.  I can not push at the Capitol without your support at home.  Write a note to your Representative and Senator, give them a call at home, or stop by a community coffee event.  Whatever you do, stay involved and vocal!  Donate generously to FOIM if you can, and ask for friends and family to donate on your behalf for Christmas!

Sincerely,

Megan