Perhaps Amy could tell me what states home birthing is legal in. I am a freshman in college and I plan to be a nurse midwife. I can't find this information on the midwifery webpage and I think that the legalization of home midwifery is an essential element to female liberation considering the circumstances in which midwifery went out of fashion. I would very much appreciate an answer.

Thanks for your note -- and I actually just inquired about the legal status of midwifery for a project I was working on. The problem seems to be that this is state-by-state process, therefore, to get the most up-to-date information you have to consult each state's policies directly. You can also try the Journal of American Medicine Women's Association (JAMWA--I think that's what it stands for)--specifically Stacey Rees, who has some of this information: [email protected]. You can also try Midwifery Today.

I hope that helps. Good luck with your research and with the important work that you want to do.

—Amy