Update:

In the wee hours of the morning on March 4, the last day of session, the House passed SSB 5765! Next, it's off to the Governor's desk for their signature to become official. After that, the rules writing process will be initiated.

This legislation, creating a prescriptive authority pathway for Licensed Midwives that is autonomous and client-centered is, to our knowledge, the first of its kind in the country.
We are utterly speechless.
And we have so many people to thank, but the adequate words escape us in this moment. So while it is so insufficient, and not even close to recognizing all who have been instrumental, please accept our gratitude as we search to find the words: Thank you to Senator Emily Randall for your tenacious spirit, drive for access, and commitment to equity to see this bill through. To our lobbyist, Amber Ulvenes, whose professionalism, charisma, and bridge-building for years in Olympia undoubtedly led to this moment. To all the leaders who came before us to pave the way for midwifery in Washington State. To our unwavering Legislative & Policy team who meets every week in the early morning to constantly push legislative progress for our profession. And, of course, to you: the midwives, the mentors, the clients, the birthworkers and supporters, the people who answered every email and call to come to Midwife Lobby Day and reach out to representatives...nothing is possible without you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

We can't wait to share a virtual celebration with you all, and a time for all your questions and comments -- details coming soon! But for now, please soak in this moment -- it's a big one!

MAWS also supported the following bills & initiatives this session:
  • Support SB 5702: Insurance coverage of human breast milk from a milk bank while babies are hospitalized. 
    • Many health benefits and long term savings to the healthcare system!
  • Support HB 1651: Allowing providers to bill separately for immediate postpartum contraception.
    • Currently only covered at final postpartum visit
  • Support HB 1881: Access to reimbursement for Doulas
    • To increase the availability of this evidence-based care that improves outcomes!
  • Support HB 1947/SB 5838: Providing a monthly diaper subsidy for families receiving TANF
  • Support: Access to Community Health Workers for Relational Health
    • Connecting families with social determinant of health needs to postpartum services (No bill, advocating to be included in the state budget)
  • Invest in Perinatal Support though the Washington’s Parent Support Warm Line so un- and underserved expectant and new parents have greater and more equitable access to mental health services through peer- to-peer engagement and increased public awareness. (No bill, advocating to be included in the state budget)

This legislative session is coming to a close sooner than we'd like, and we have many opportunities to support better perinatal and postpartum care and experiences in our state. Thanks for all you're doing to engage in local politics!

Warmly,
The MAWS Legislation & Policy Team

In Brief, SB 5765 creates an option for LMs to choose to complete:
* Additional training to be able to offer clients contraception (except sterilization) & medications for the treatment of common infections in pregnancy (ie. UTIs, mastitis). For clarification, the bill does not extend scope of practice to include abortion services.

* We are grateful for the cap on the LM annual license fee of $525 which is maintained through this biennium
Watch the Recording of the 2022 Legislative Agenda Webinar or read the Policy Agenda for more info! ​


Annual Midwife Lobby Day Schedule

 Begins at 8am and visits finished by ~3pm. Stay to debrief afterwards! 
The beauty of Midwife Lobby Day is that you can just show up and make an impact even if you don't want to say anything!  
But if you are planning to attend Lobby Day and you are someone who likes to feel over prepared, these documents are for you!

We've created a video & a webinar to help you learn more about advocacy:​
​Lobby Day Preparation Video
Our pre-recorded Preparation Video is the best place to start if you've never attended Lobby Day before. It covers logistics, lobbying tips, and why Lobby Day is so important.

​This year, you don't need to worry about parking since Lobby Day will be virtual and you can attend from anywhere you have access to zoom!

Short on time? You can check out these Webinar slides:
​Legislative Agenda Webinar
2022 Legislative Agenda Webinar Recording

!Not Relevant this year for Virtual Midwife Lobby Day!
What to Expect on (In Person) Lobby Day:
​a note from our lobbyist, Amber Ulvenes

​Coming to the Capitol during the legislative session is exciting and fun, but can be a little intimidating too. So, as a seventeen-year veteran, I've written a friendly guide to help you enjoy your day on the hill.

  1. Yes, it's true, parking is a pain in the neck. My advice is to arrive early, and check out our parking location suggestions in the slides below. You may have to park a ways away, but once you get to base camp, you are set for the day. We will walk everywhere else. Also, if you do have to park a ways away, we have this awesome free shuttle that will take you to campus. It's called the Dash bus, comes every 15 minutes, and they are painted in cheery individual colors-orange, purple and green. My kids love to try and predict which one is coming next.
  2. What to wear? Business casual is how I would describe it. Your everyday lobbyist types wear suits, which is not necessary for Lobby Day, but slacks and jacket, or skirt and sweater are appropriate. Though sometimes very tempted, I don't wear jeans, athletic shoes, or muddy boots to the Capitol.
  3. Arrive on time for the morning briefing. You won't want to miss this orientation to our Lobby Day agenda.
  4. Going to meetings with legislators. If you choose to, you can ALWAYS go with a team, and you don't have to say anything. There are those of us that might not let you get a word in edgewise anyway! Do what feels comfortable for you. You will get the hang of the meetings as we go. We will provide notes for you to speak from, and information for you to hand out.
  5. Food. We will have some morning snacks, coffee and tea at the briefing. For lunch, feel free to pack your own, or take advantage of the Dash bus to go downtown. La Gitana, Kitzel's Deli, Trinacria, and the Bread Peddler are all right off the downtown Dash stops and are locally-owned deliciousness. If its a nice day, it's also only a 15-minute walk down. Another option this year will be pizza at base camp. We will collect $8 in the morning from those interested, and our awesome host Jimmy will go pick up at our fabulous local pizzeria, Old School. The owner, with three home-birthed babies, is giving us a deal! For those able to stick around, Audrey Levine will be again hosting a lovely dinner at her home.
  6. Kiddos. It can be a long day, but you're welcome to bring them. It's nice for legislators to see some little ones.

​Back to main Lobby Day page

Last Updated 1/6/2020 by Candace Martin
Banner photo used with permission.