#417: Midwifery & The Conundrum Of The Legislative Process with Ellie Stangl

This week Dr. Stu is solo as Blyss is away and joined by guest Ellie Stangl, a certified doula and legislative aide in Nebraska. Together they delve into the legislative process affecting maternity care: Does anyone understand the process? Does it make any logical sense? The short answer is no, but dive into this conversation with us to dig deeper and discuss the complications and frustrations of introducing and passing bills that advocate for midwifery and home birth practices. The conversation delves into the challenges posed by the medical lobby, the legislative process, why laws differ from state to state, and how the cultural misperceptions about natural birth results in a lot of confusion around legislation.

About Ellie:

Ellie Stangl is a dedicated advocate and policy professional who has spent the past seven years working in the Nebraska Legislature. With a lifelong passion for natural and wholesome living, Ellie began in the birth world as a young girl assisting her mother during the home births of her siblings. This early exposure to God's design of birth and the beauty of motherhood inspired her to become a certified doula, a role in which she continues to serve friends, family, and members of the birthing community. Ellie has seamlessly integrated her personal and professional commitments by championing maternal health policy at the state level. She is actively drafting legislation to expand access to midwifery care and protection for women's birthing rights in Nebraska.

Instagram: @miss_elims

Resources

Birthing Instincts Podcast Patreon

Patreon: Advocacy Role Play Episode

AJOG Article: Quantifying the association between doula care and maternal and neonatal outcomes

In This Episode

Ellie's Journey to Legislative Advocacy

The Complexity of Legal Language

Challenges with Medical Regulations

Opposition from Medical Associations

The Influence of Campaign Funding

Comparing State Laws on Midwifery

The Importance of Community and Education

This show is supported by

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