The State Senator who slipped a midwifery provision into HB 818 , an insurance bill in the final days of the 2007 General Assembly is vowing to continue the fight now that the provision legalizing the practice of midwifery in Missouri has been struck down as unconstitutional.
Senator John Loudon (R-Chesterfield) disagrees with the ruling from Cole County Circuit Judge Patricia Joyce, which points to a violation of what is known as the Hammerschmidt rule – a requirement that any part of any bill be related to the original purpose and title of the bill. He argues midwives are a part of health insurance.
Supporters of midwifery are appealing the ruling to the Missouri State Supreme Court. Loudon remains optimistic, but says if that effort is unsuccessful, he will try again in the Legislature to pass a measure legalizing the practice.