As Introduced
135th General Assembly
Regular Session H. R. No. 459
2023-2024
Representatives Miller, M., McClain
A RESOLUTION
To recognize May 5, 2024, as International Day of 1
the Midwife. 2
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
OHIO:
WHEREAS, Ohio parents maintain an ancient and fundamental 3
right, older than government itself, to seek assistance from 4
persons of their choice in the births of their children in 5
locations of their choice; and 6
WHEREAS, Childbirth is a normal function of womanhood and 7
parents should have the freedom of choice in birthing practices; 8
and 9
WHEREAS, The ancient practice of midwifery and the right of 10
parents in Ohio to avail themselves of it are each protected as 11
a natural and inalienable liberty by Ohio Constitution, Article 12
I, Section 1, as a right of conscience by Ohio Constitution, 13
Article I, Section 7, as an unenumerated right retained by the 14
people by Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 20, as a health 15
care freedom by Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 21, and as 16
a reproductive right by Ohio Constitution, Article I, Section 17
22; and 18
WHEREAS, The ancient practice of midwifery offers care to 19
parents in Ohio that is personal, private, safe, affordable, and 20
H. R. No. 459 Page 2
As Introduced
available throughout the state; and 21
WHEREAS, The practice of midwifery is neither the practice 22
of medicine nor the practice of nursing, but its own ancient and 23
unique practice; now therefore be it 24
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of 25
Representatives of the 135th General Assembly of the State of 26
Ohio, acknowledge the valuable contributions made by midwives 27
here in Ohio and around the world and pause in our deliberations 28
to recognize May 5, 2024, as International Day of the Midwife; 29
and be it further 30
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives 31
transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the 32
news media of Ohio. 33