Midwives are many splendid things. One thing they are not is trained physicians. Yes, they are highly trained, but not even registered nurses - with far more medical education than midwives - are allowed to play doctor and dispense medication. And it's not just pills some midwives want to give out. They also want to provide intravenous fluids and emergency oxygen. Fine. Let them go to medical school. Some people's faith in midwifery borders on the religious. They point to the countless births midwives oversee every year without a hitch. It's true. Relying on a midwife is perfectly safe, unless something goes dreadfully wrong. If it does, there's no substitute for a physician and a hospital/Tom Henderson, Lewiston Tribune. More here

*Nathaniel Hoffman/PaleoMedia.org take on midwifery

Question: Should midwives be allowed to dispense medication and provide intravenous fluids and emergency oxygen?

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