[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 135 (Thursday, October 2, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN HONOR OF NATIONAL MIDWIFERY WEEK

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, October 1, 1997

  Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to 
salute the important work of certified nurse-midwives. The week of 
October 5 through October 11 is National Midwifery Week honoring the 
professionals who dedicate their lives to this noble calling.
  As a nurse and a mother, I recognize the need for safe and satisfying 
health care for women and newborns. Investing in the health care of 
women and children is essential to the future of our country and should 
be of paramount importance to our society. The lack of primary health 
care providers for women has fueled the rise in the U.S. infant 
mortality and low-birthweight rates. Certified nurse-midwives, in 
caring for women and their babies, have made outstanding contributions 
in reducing infant mortality and low-birthweight rates by making 
accessible quality care to women. Certified nurse-midwives take a 
personalized approach to women's health, offering a full scope of care 
including maternity, well-woman gynecological, and family planning 
care. Their efforts to bring quality care to an often underserved 
population are to be commended.
  The American College of Nurse-Midwives has declared the theme of this 
year's National Midwifery Week to be ``Listen to Women.'' I encourage 
my fellow legislators and all citizens to take this opportunity to 
learn more about nurse-midwifery and the important work they perform.

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