Arkansas Midwives

Direct entry midwives have been licensed to attend home births in Arkansas since 1985. There are approximately 22 licensed midwives practicing in the state, and most are clustered around the northwest and central parts of the state. Arkansas uses the NARM exam to license midwives.

The practice of midwifery related to home births is governed by the Arkansas Department of Health. In addition to seeing the midwife for prenatal care, the mother must also see a physician or health clinic for two visits, and must file a back-up plan with the Health Department. Licensed midwives have attended 1503 births in Arkansas in the past ten years.

Arkansas statues regarding midwifery may be found at http://www.mana.org/laws/laws_ar.htm

Certified nurse-midwives practice legally in all states; some practice in a few Arkansas communities. There is a birth center with a CNM in Fort Smith, and three CNMs are working at the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock.

To find information about the Arkansas Chapter of the American College of Nurse-Midwives or for information about nurse-midwives and their state organizations and schools contact ACNM at www.midwife.org/ABOUT/chapter.htm or call 202-728-9860.