Ohio House Bill HR459

Ohio 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/30/24

Caption

Recognize International Day of the Midwife

Impact

By recognizing International Day of the Midwife, HR459 seeks to elevate the profile of midwifery in Ohio, framing it within the context of various constitutional protections that the practice enjoys. This includes the rights to healthcare and reproductive choices. Through this acknowledgment, the resolution not only celebrates midwives and their work but also reinforces the value of parental autonomy in birthing decisions as a fundamental right safeguarded by the Ohio Constitution.

Summary

House Resolution 459, put forth by Representatives Miller and McClain, aims to officially recognize May 5, 2024, as International Day of the Midwife in Ohio. The resolution emphasizes the importance of midwifery as a cherished practice that provides personal and affordable care to parents during childbirth. It underscores parental rights to choose their preferred assistance during childbirth, whether that involves midwives or other alternatives, promoting an ethos of freedom in birthing practices.

Contention

While HR459 is largely symbolic, its implications are grounded in the ongoing discussions surrounding parental rights and the recognition of midwifery as a valid and respected form of assistance during childbirth. Some may debate the extent of governmental involvement in dictating or recognizing birthing practices. Nevertheless, the resolution strives to bring attention to the historical significance of midwifery and its distinct place in the broader healthcare landscape, emphasizing a balanced approach to childbirth care without equating it directly to medical or nursing practices.