Walk for Midwives

www.alabamabirthcoalition.org

On October 3, I will be joining citizens from across our state in the Alabama Birth Coalition’s Walk for Midwives. This special statewide event will raise awareness and funds to help us work for greater access to midwives and better maternity care in Alabama.

You know first-hand how important midwives are to healthy mothers, babies, and families. You know the benefits of care with a midwife:
• Individualized education, counseling, and prenatal care
• Continuous assistance during labor and delivery
• Support of natural, physiologic birth
• Respect for your birth choices
• Postpartum and breastfeeding support
This holistic, evidence-based care is why midwives consistently have such good outcomes for the mothers and babies they serve.

But did you know that not all Alabama families have access to midwives?

Alabama families who wish to deliver out-of-hospital are often surprised and distressed to learn that while they may legally birth out-of-hospital, any midwife they hire to attend them risks prosecution. Families are forced to choose among difficult and limited options. Some find a midwife who is willing to risk prosecution to attend the birth. Some choose to birth in the hospital though they would prefer a midwife. Some travel to birth in states that license midwives. Some give birth unassisted.

Alabama families deserve better birth options than this. That’s why I am walking for midwives.
Will you join me?

There are two ways you can help:
• Come walk with me and many other committed citizens in the Walk for Midwives on October 3. There will be walks in Huntsville, Cullman, and Birmingham – check out ABC’s website for locations and starting times.

• Please sponsor me for the walk by sending a donation of $25, $50, $100 or more today. The Walk for Midwives is part of ABC’s campaign to raise $55,000 to support our vital public policy and educational work. Can you help us reach this goal?




P.S. One generous family has offered to donate $25,000 in matching funds for donations to the Walk for Midwives. That means every dollar you give will be matched, dollar for dollar if you give now!


Please note that donations to the Alabama Birth Coalition are not deductible as charitable contributions for federal income tax purposes.