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Parents in Ohio deserve safe options for growing their families
and it starts with gaining access to birth workers who address physical, mental, and emotional needs.
Buckeye Birth Coalition was founded in February 2020 with the intention of bringing constituents together from across the state who want to see increased birth options and access to midwives, and to make Ohio a safer place to have a baby.
We have since expanded our goals to unite birth workers across Ohio and provide a network of resources to child-bearing families.
Lobbying hard so moms can labor easier…
Buckeye Birth Coalition’s Mission:
INCREASE & BIRTHING OPTIONS & BIRTH EDUCATION FOR FAMILIES IN OHIO
Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) currently hold licensure in 37 states – not including Ohio. We see this as a problem, considering the evidence that midwifery care has shown to improve birth outcomes.
We support licensure and integration of CPMs and Certified Midwives into the community of professional caregivers, as well as protecting and including community midwives in the legislation.
COMBAT BIRTHING MORTALITY THROUGH EQUITY AND HEALTHCARE TRANSPARENCY
We believe in equal pay for equal services. Full stop.
We advocate for value-based reimbursement – meaning licensed, accredited, freestanding birth centers should NOT be reimbursed at lower rates for uncomplicated, vaginal deliveries compared to neighboring area hospitals.
Equal reimbursement for birth centers would:
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provide a fair and equitable basis that will ultimately provide access to midwifery statewide
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dramatically improve outcomes
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save healthcare costs
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help to bring the United States in league with the top ten nations in the world for maternal and infant health
LOBBY FOR NEW LAWS THAT ENSURE THE SAFETY AND HEALTH OF MOTHERS AND INFANTS IN OHIO
Ensuring the safety of mothers and babies, especially when it comes to Black maternal & infant health inequities, requires changing the laws that govern maternal and infant healthcare.
We are actively lobbying for:
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New legislation that strengthens healthcare standards
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Ensuring access to quality maternal care
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Increasing access to quality newborn care by Nurse Midwives
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Protecting the rights of families
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Combating Black maternal & infant health to reduce morbidity & mortality rates
Working hand-in-hand with lawmakers is what drives impactful change that prioritizes the well-being of our community. Help us with this mission by donating to our legislative efforts.
ESTABLISH A NETWORK OF BIRTH WORKERS AND BIRTH-ADJACENT PROFESSIONALS
We aim to connect families with a diverse range of resources and support by building a comprehensive network of birth workers and birth-adjacent professionals across Ohio.
Our network professionals support a family’s right to make choices that best fit their needs during their pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. No matter where you decide to birth or what choices fit your family best, our providers will support you in your decisions.
Our goal is to empower families with the options they need to make informed decisions and receive the care that best suits their unique journey.
Major Milestones: From Conception to Today
2020
BBC was formed by Meghan Nowland as a 510(c)4 to unite professional and consumer stakeholders from across Ohio to advocate for safer birth options.
2021
Many interested parties meetings took place.
2022
The Ohio nurse midwives came to a neutral stance. HB 496 to license certain types of midwives was pushed forward by republican sponsor Kyle Koehler
2023
has carried the momentum from 2022 and the Coalition has seen increased interest in participation from midwives, students, and nurse midwives.
2024
We've drafted legislation to allow nurse midwives in the state to provide newborn care.
Beyond the 4th Trimester...
Track our growth in policy change and what steps come next.
