Fwd: [MMA_Alert] Midwifery court hearing - Aug 2, 2007 - Be in Jefferson City, MO!

[Guest guest]

Mary Ueland <better_birth wrote: FoMM <fomm >,

MoMidwives <momidwives >,

mma_alert

Mary Ueland <better_birth

Fri, 20 Jul 2007 14:50:39 -0700 (PDT)

[MMA_Alert] Midwifery court hearing - Aug 2, 2007 - Be in Jefferson

City, MO!

 

We need you in Jefferson City on Thursday morning, August 2nd!

 

This is so much bigger than past committee hearings or rallies or our annual

“Cookie Day” in support of legalizing Missouri’s midwives.

 

For the first time in Missouri history, all of Missouri media is suddenly

interested in midwives and why they have been felons in Missouri for so long.

For the first time in history, national TV is asking about Missouri mothers and

why they want to have their babies at home, and why they are not allowed to have

a trained, legal attendant with them at their homebirths. For the first time,

there will be a spot light on the midwifery issue at the courthouse in Jefferson

City, Missouri on August 2nd.

 

And in order to win in court, we must first win in the court of public

opinion. Media coverage is the key to that.

 

August 2nd is the date that Cole County Circuit Judge, Patricia Joyce, has set

to hear evidence on the danger/safety of Certified Professional Midwives as

legalized by this bill. She will be making a decision about whether or not to

place an injunction on the new law, keeping it from going into effect, and

keeping midwives felons in the state of Missouri.

 

As stated earlier, August 2nd will be a very big day with a lot of intense

media coverage that will shape a lot of opinions, including, possibly, some of

our Missouri Supreme Court justices’ opinions about the case, should it make its

way to the Missouri Supreme Court (most people say it will). We would do well to

keep in mind that several well-funded organizations with a lot of experience in

public relations and “damage control” will be doing all they can to present to

the public (through the media) the “grave dangers of ‘lay’ midwives.” It is very

important for us to be proactive to get as much positive coverage out of this

day as possible.

 

One of the biggest things that you can do to help is to BE THERE AUG 2! It

must look like nearly all of Missouri supports the right of families to choose

midwifery care. The courthouse lawn should be covered in families with their

happy, healthy home born children, and citizens from all walks of life.

Please make a commitment to fill up your car with your friends or relatives

and come, or better yet, to borrow your church van and fill it with people who

will come and support the rights of families, just by being there. This is so

much easier than lobbying your legislators! You don’t have to be articulate and

know all of the facts and numbers. You just need to BE THERE and do all you can

to get an additional 5 or 10 or 15 friends, family members, or neighbors to be

there as well!

 

Schedule:

9:00 am – Gather on the Cole County Courthouse lawn (if you arrive before 9,

and there is still room in the courtroom, adults may sit in and listen to the

proceedings of the day – NO children in the courtroom, please!)

Be prepared for reporters shooting footage, interviewing, etc. Dress nicely –

you may be on the news! If you are willing to be interviewed, please let me

(Mary) know ahead of time. Dress for a hot day, bring your sunscreen, etc. Water

will be provided to our supporters.

 

11:30 am - Move five blocks to the State Capitol Building, 1rst floor rotunda

for a rally. If you have little ones or cannot walk that far, feel free to

drive. The rest of us will walk over there, parade style with a “Free the

Midwives” banner.

 

12:00 pm - Join us in the 1rst floor rotunda for a rally with nationally and

internationally known midwifery advocates (still be confirmed – I’ll let you

know who we have lined up when they are confirmed!)

 

12:45 pm – Lunch and water will be provided. Stay in the Capitol building,

cool off with your kids and have some pizza!

 

 

If you cannot come on Thursday, Aug 2nd, maybe you can come on Wednesday,

August 1.

We will be holding a silent candlelight vigil on the steps of the County

Courthouse from 9 pm – midnight, August 1rst, in honor of the mothers who are

giving birth at home that night (on average 2-3 Missouri women give birth at

home every day) and in honor of the midwives who bravely serve them. If you

would like to come to both, we may have lodging available so that you can spend

the night nearby and attend the events of both days.

 

Contacts:

For directions, RSVPs (please RSVP if you want to be included in the

lunch head count!), etc:

Kolbi Doyle myfamilybz or 573-230-5135 or

Nikki Simmons nikki or 573-338-0997

 

If you are willing to help with donating food, water, paper, printing,

errands, reservations, childcare, organizing, etc, etc,

Please contact:

Ivy White: 573-447-2700 or

Collene Whitelock 417-280-6000

 

 

Hope to see you there!

Mary Ueland

Better_birth

 

PS Yes, we do need help getting this whole event organized. Please let us know

if you are willing to donate your time, money or talents to make it a success!

 

 

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