“I have been working for the sovereignty of mothers to make all birth decisions since 1979……and specifically speaking out against licensure since 1980…….

I have written thousand of words, given a dozen speeches, at least, and that many interviews…….There can be no doubt where I stand on the topic of licensure…..and part of the body of evidence is the number of threats I have received and the negative campaigns against me and everything I stand for………

I have been called every name in the book over my licensure stand, over my efforts to remind women that they own birth and how capable they are. It is unclear sometimes WHY people hate me as they do, and I try not to take it personally, but what helps me keep standing is to remember WHO I do it for. All of you working to educate people on the dangers of midwifery regulation, please do not grow weary in well-doing.

If we don’t tell the truth, who will? Mammas and babies are always harmed by the state regulation of birth. Midwifery’s ability to make a positive impact on families is severely diminished and the only ones who benefit are those who will gain money and power via the regulation and elimination of those they want to put out of business.

Mothers, babies AND midwifery end up with collateral damage. Don’t be fooled…..midwifery regulation is not good for mothers, babies or midwifery. What is good for mothers, babies and midwifery is a high standard of excellence and expectations. Mothers should be respected, educated and encouraged by midwives. Midwives should seek to be the most knowledgable servants of families that they can be. Everyone should remember that birth is biology and the domain of the women who own it.”

Carla Hartley
December 2015

https://www.facebook.com/100055546381367/posts/222741546254057/?d=n

I was blessed to have Carla on my show seven years ago!

Carla was a loud and visible supporter of those of us who gave birth alone. She took many of the “slings and arrows” on our behalf and stood strong until her last day on this earth.

She loved us Freebirthers and she defended us. I will always be grateful for her friendship.

Jenny Marie Hatch

https://www.facebook.com/1441471966/posts/10226575884850287/?d=n

Our dreaded, but hoped for prayers have been answered. Our mom, Baba Hartley/Carla Hartley went to Jesus early this morning, PEACEFULLY in her sleep. This is an answered prayer!

Our wish was that we would have her for many years…

Our PRAYER was that God would take her peacefully.

All four of her children spent the last few days loving on her, singing over her, praying over her.

Her granddaughter and namesake, Carla Rae, and I slept by her when she died.

I woke to realize she was gone, and praised the Lord for the mother He gave us and for taking her in her sleep…

No more pain. No more discomfort. No more grief.

❤️ For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

Carla Pauline Hartley 6/5/53-2/3/21 almost exactly 11 years after my father, and her beloved husband died.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please make a donation to http://www.hopeforjustice.org or any other organization that protects vulnerable and at risk children.

Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.