ALMA's Purpose
The purpose of ALMA is to preserve the art and practice of midwifery and to act as a self-governing body for those interested in midwifery as a profession in the state of Alabama.
ALMA has the following goals:
- To educate the public regarding home birth alternatives
- To ensure the future of midwifery through education
- To facilitate communication among midwives
- To promote and protect the legal status of midwives in Alabama
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History of Legislative Effort in Alabama
In
1975, the Alabama Legislature granted licensure to only Certified
Nurse-Midwives (CNMs). Independent midwives could continue to practice
with a valid permit issued by the Department of Public Health. Over the
next few years, the Department ceased to renew permits and informed
midwives that they would have to stop practicing. Some independent
midwives have continued to practice since that time, serving their
communities at home births.
ALMA is proud that our
midwives have continued to find ways to serve families who seek
out-of-hospital birth,
despite legal concerns. ALMA
acknowledges that CPMs are independent practitioners who have met the
standards
of certification set by the North American Registry of Midwives. In
addition, ALMA recognizes and supports
the
skilled and experienced midwives in Alabama
who choose not to become certified. ALMA
recognizes that ultimately it is the right and the responsibility of
parents to
educate themselves, to interview prospective maternity caregivers, to
choose
their birth setting, and to hire the caregiver whom they feel is most
appropriate for their individual circumstances.
For more information, ALMA provides a history of independent midwifery
practice in Alabama and discussion of the current legal environment
which impacts maternity choices available to citizens in our state in the document titled The History and Legalities of Midwifery in Alabama.
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Get Involved
Join ALMA ~ If you are interested in advancing the profession of midwifery in Alabama, please consider becoming a member of ALMA. Membership
is open to midwives, students, and others who wish to
support independent midwives providing the Midwives Model of Care in Alabama. Just print out a copy of our Membership Form and mail your form and dues to the ALMA Treasurer.
Membership Form (PDF)
Benefits of membership include:
- Opportunities to meet with other midwives and students
- Information concerning midwifery conferences and events
- Quarterly e-newsletter
- Participate in the development of standards and guidelines for the practice of midwifery in Alabama
Become a Midwife ~ Interested in midwifery? ALMA offer an Educational Program to ALMA members who are aspiring midwives.
Make a Donation
~ Support midwifery by making a charitable donation to ALMA! Please
note that donations are not tax deductible. Checks can be made out to
"Alabama Midwives Alliance" and mailed to:
ALMA Treasurer
544 County Road 1157
Cullman, AL 35057
Inquiries?
Please email any questions concerning the Alabama Midwives Alliance to info@alabamamidwivesalliance.org.
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