Midwife regulation changes are coming to North Carolina

North Carolina is one of three states that require nurse midwives to operate under a doctor's supervision.

However, that regulation will be rolled back this fall and could impact infant and maternal health in the state.

For years, this is something that nurses like Sakia Ouhuru have been fighting for.

"I have a master's degree in midwifery. I passed my boards and I'm licensed by the state of North Carolina," O'uhuru said.

She has been a practicing nurse midwife for 25 years in several states, including New Jersey and New York.

But, since 1983, The Midwifery Practice Act has prohibited certified nurse midwives like Sakina from practicing in North Carolina without supervision from an obstetrician.

"It was very difficult finding an available physician who was willing to sign my collaborative agreement." O'uhuru said.

Once she finally found one, she had to pay between five and seven hundred dollars a month to the supervising doctor.

Parts of North Carolina are "maternal care deserts" areas without a hospital or birthing center which offers obstetric care or providers.

The March of Dimes has given the state a D-for access and maternal/fetal outcomes.

But expanding the number of nurse midwives could make an impact.

Studies show the midwifery model of care leads to improved maternal and infant outcomes, fewer cesareans and pre-term birth.

Miller says the Midwifery Practice Act has been a barrier to providing obstetric care in rural and underserved areas.

"We saw a 73% increase of nurse practitioners practicing in rural parts of the state in Arizona 10 years after they made the change," says Alex Miller, Lobbyist, American College Of Midwives.

Studies show the midwifery model of care leads to improved maternal and infant outcomes, fewer cesareans and pre-term birth.

"No other profession asks another profession for permission to practice," O'uhuru said.

O'uhuru says she will end her paid supervision, but she will always collaborate with other providers.

"I feel liberated," said O'uhuru. "I feel like I will have more autonomy, I will have less restrictions. So I feel like less restrictions means more access. And more access means better outcomes, healthier outcomes for moms and babies."

The restriction ends on October first.

Nurse midwives with fewer than two years and 4000 hours of practice will still need a supervising physician.