HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOM 0104.023 2022-2024 p/cp/gounc,il
mss. 7-23
COMM. i0u
From: Emma Halenko
Sent: Tuesday, March 07, 2023 12:07 PM
To: Council Testimony
Subject: urgent- testimony e-).
CD
Aloha Honorable Committee Members,
Please protect my access to midwifery care by scheduling HB 955 for a hearing!
My name is Emma Halenko, a resident of Puna, living at 14-469 Pakaka Road, Pahoa HI 96778. I'm writing to testiffi tt
share my story in hopes to continue the legalization of Midwifery practices in the state of Hawaii. --
This past year,August 4th 2022 I gave birth to my son, Rio Jai Schmautz Halenko, naturally at my home,which was my
greatest wish for him.This wasn't possible without an experienced midwife. It wasn't an easy process for me because,
like most of the big Island of Hawaii, my location is very rural and holistic birth care is very limited. Rio was born breech,
which is no longer practiced in hospitals on island and I would have no other choice but to deliver via c-section if I wasn't
able to find experienced care another way. It is my belief that breech birth is completely natural and with the right tools
and experience, can occur as gracefully as a cephalic birth.
Aside from my beliefs, it should be my choice as the mother of my child to how I birthed him into this world.
There was only one midwife I was able to find in my location and for personal reasons of her own, she wasn't able to
continue pre-natal care with me after confirming the breech location at 36 weeks of pregnancy. My husband and I
researched our options extensively and even considered moving off-island for birth to find the care that was desired for
us. Finally,we found a midwife on the opposite side of the island, Rachel Curnel Struempf, who is experienced with
natural breech delivery and had the capacity to continue care and help me deliver my baby in the way I desired.
It's so important to me and countless others I know in my community to continue to have options for how we as
mothers of our future generation care for and birth our children into this world. Having midwifery continue in this State
is crucial for continuing access to and options for birth care. Please consider this testimony seriously!
Warmly,
Emma, Mike+ baby Rio
206-601-5801
Comm. N°i. 10 11:1
Ref.To: 1J
Ref. Date MAR - 8 2023