I appreciated the article on the midwifery bill (“Bill to regulate midwives reveals divide,” Star-Advertiser, April 15). But I’d like to emphasize the very real need for our traditional midwives.

Many women like myself choose to have a homebirth, with a skilled and experienced (but unlicensed) midwife, as the safest place to birth a child. There are many other women, especially on neighbor islands, in rural communities who don’t have access to a birthing center nearby, or perhaps don’t have health insurance.

Those women rely upon traditional, experienced midwives. Senate Bill 1033 would outlaw all midwives except those with certain certifications. This bill outlawing traditional midwifery does not protect women, but actually endangers women.

Ramona Hussey

Manoa

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