Hi there,
If we haven’t met, I’m Mary Kathryn DeLodder. I live in Louisville, and I’m a stay at home mom to 3 kids (ages 6, 3, and 1). Over
Mary Kathryn and her kids
the last few years, I’ve increased my involvement in KHBC, and now I’m kind of the leader of this grand endeavor! I don’t have any magical powers or special skills. I had never done anything more “political” than vote before I got involved with KHBC. I’ve taken my infant to Frankfort many times. I’ve been blessed with family and friends who have been able to step in and help me with childcare when needed. I’ve asked questions and figured things out.
Why am I telling you this? Because YOU are Kentucky Home Birth Coalition. If you care about birth options in this state, then you are a member of KHBC. Our supporters are diverse and represent many different seasons of life. Regardless of where you are in your journey, there is a way for you to be involved in KHBC. If you have questions about what KHBC is doing or what we are about, send us an email, message us on Facebook, or call us at 502-465-5422.
The strength of this organization is in regular people taking action. There are lots of ways you can take action, and I’d be thrilled to help you find the way that is right for you.
A Progress Report
We did not see either of our bills passed in 2017 (you can read about that here), which means that the work continues now during the time in between legislative sessions which is known as the “interim.” While no bills can be passed into law during the interim, it is a prime time to continue working. Quite a few KHBC supporters have been able to meet with their legislators so far during the interim to continue education. Legislators spend more time at “home” during the interim, so it’s a great chance to meet with them without having to travel all the way to Frankfort. Let us know if you’d like to do this, and we will walk you through the process.
Some members have also been able to speak to legislators at community events such as the famous Fancy Farm Picnic, an heirloom tomato festival, town hall meetings, and political fundraisers. Any opportunity to speak to your state legislators is a good opportunity.
We have also had some good meetings involving our previous bill sponsors and the chairpersons of the Health and Welfare/Family Services committees of both chambers. The next meeting, date TBD, will incorporate the medical community (the primary opposition). This will be the first time for a meeting to include KHBC, legislators and the medical community around the table at the same time.
Our Greatest Need
Our greatest need at this time is funding to continue paying our wonderful lobbyists, Jason Baird and Jack Hillard of the Limestone Group. We pay them $2,000 a month, which is a bargain when it comes to this type of professional assistance. They are in Frankfort when you and I cannot be there, and they hold our hands and walk us through this very complicated legislative process. I like to think of them as our “legislative doulas.”
We scraped together just enough to pay the bill for August, and we currently have about $600 to put toward the September bill. We desperately need to raise enough funds to get us through the rest of 2017 and through the 2018 legislative session.
You can make a donation on our website. Consider making a recurring monthly donation.