KHBCpic2My name is Mary Lynn Duke.  I grew up in Owensboro, Ky and currently reside in Scottsville, KY with my husband Les Brown.  We live on Brown Farms where we tend to cows, pigs, and our chemical free produce.  I also work part time as a courier, mow yards for family, and I am a Placenta Encapsulation Specialist through Placenta Benefits.  I am working towards certification as a Lamaze childbirth educator so that I can help educate the women of Southern KY on their birthing options. Currently I assist a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), and the experience has only strengthened my belief that a women should have the right to birth where and with whom she chooses.

My passion as a birth activist has grown and pushes me to find ways that I can help KHBC even amongst a hectic schedule. How I have been able to help so far has mostly been in meeting with legislators, making calls, and mailing letters from myself, friends, family, and neighbors.  I am currently working to find ways we can fundraise in Southern KY and have orchestrated a meeting where we can rally support.  If you are in the SOKY area and would like to be involved, I hope you will take the plunge.  It was a meeting like this that got my activist motor running, and it could do the same for you!

Navigating the birth options in KY can get very confusing.  Especially when you are in an area where your options are limited.  Something I am constantly bragging on is the supportive women you find in the birthing community once you are involved.  I have created friendships, found mentors, and been encourage by so many.  I know one day we will win this battle because I know the power of Kentucky women and the men who love them.

Please consider learning more.  The SOKY Birth Activist meeting is July 24th 5:30pm at the WKU Alive center in Bowling Green.