Second arrest made after Catlin charged on 90+ felony count indictment
Supporters of the Yates County midwife facing more than 90 charges are calling it a ‘modern day with hunt’.
“With two arrests, New York state has made the maternity care crisis even worse,” Elizabeth Catlin said in a brief statement, reported by the Finger Lakes Times. “We desperately need to have a choice — a better choice. This is a witch-hunt.”
Another woman, Melissa Carman, of Belfast, was also charged as the investigation continues. Carman is accused of helping Catlin with her midwife practice in Yates County.
“This is a travesty and a modern-day witch-hunt,” Carman said. “We need to support Elizabeth against these absolutely ridiculous charges.”
Catlin faces a total of 95 felony charges for allegedly practicing as a midwife for years without necessary licensing. Among those charges – criminally negligent homicide.
The advocates also cited “rampant obstetrical violence in hospital birth experiences” and said home birth is as safe, if not safer, than hospital births, the FLT reported. “Some people just assume the law is rational … and now midwives are being criminally charged,” Indra Lusero, staff attorney for National Advocates for Pregnant Women and founder of the Birth Rights Bar Association said.
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