Photo by Michael Davis

Photo by Michael Davis

The History of the VaBirthPAC...

Over the past nine months, the leaders of the midwivespac have been undergoing a process of looking at the full potential of our political power as a community of birth activists. We have the benefit of experience by participating in an election year process and last year's legislative session.

Our development work has led us to a number of conclusions about our mission and our community.

  • We recognize that our existence and our sustainability are vitally important to the future of Maternal & Child health care in Virginia.
  • We are comprised of a diverse population of inspired mothers and families, many of whom are true visionaries of a new paradigm of maternity care options.
  • We include a large number of health care professionals: CNMs, CPMs, OBs, doulas, and childbirth educators.
  • The benefits of fundraising go beyond lobbying and campaign contributions. By building a solid financial foundation we can continue to expand our membership of childbirth activists. This will provide valuable grassroots response during legislative sessions and increase our ability to provide networking opportunities for the many allied organizations throughout the state.

EDUCATED, ELIMINATED, CRIMINALIZED & REDISCOVERED: A HISTORY OF MIDWIVES IN VIRGINIA

by Crista Raven, PhD

The History of Midwifery in VA