I was going to call my State Senator today (turns out her name is Iris Martinez, and I live in the 20th State Senate District), but she is not on Illinois Families for Midwifery’s targeted list. Furthermore, I found out from my friend Kari, that she is not on the committee who currently is considering this bill (Healthcare Availability Access Committee), so even if I called her, she couldn’t do anything at this stage (wow, I am learning a lot about government right now!)

So, I decided to call Greg Harris, who is on this committee, and is reportedly “on the fence” about this act. I reached his assistant, who took a message. I will try back tomorrow. If I cannot reach him tomorrow, I will send an e-mail on Saturday to his office, asking him to say “Yes” to this bill.

I just checked again the blog for Illinois Families for Midwifery, and saw that they requested people go down to Springfield on March 3rd. Apparently, a lot of doctors have been lobbying against this bill, and we need to apply more pressure on our end or we may lose our chance. This is a big deal! Women need to have the option to deliver with a midwife, and to do a homebirth if they chose! Even in the big old city of Chicago, midwifery options are limited, because the laws are so restrictive here. Midwives leave and go other places, leaving this city limited of options.

If I can find a way to go, I’m going to try to go to Springfield next week, as well as contacting Mr. Harris. I will keep you updated on my progress!

Even though I didn’t actually get to speak to a legislator in person, I feel like I did accomplish a lot today. I became more informed about who is representing me in government. I learned a little bit about how my state government works. An informed citizenry is a big step towards participatory government! And, even more wonderful than these accomplishments, I became less afraid! Because I did take some actions, I got just a little bit greater sense of my own power and impact in the world. I took the edge off of my fear to speak out for what I believe in. That is a wonderful thing! I think this is going to be an exciting journey folks! Stay posted!

Here are a few related links:
(those of you who are Illinois residents, please consider taking a stand as well!)

For some general information, including information on how to help:
Illinois Families for Midwifery

To find out who your local representative is:
Illinois General Assembly Home Page
(click on Legislator Locator, towards the bottom on the right)

For more information about midwifery, and groups that endorse it:
Coalition for Illinois Midwifery