RI Department of Health Refers Matter of Unlicensed Midwife to Attorney General’s Office

RI Department of Health Refers Matter of Unlicensed Midwife to Attorney General’s Office

The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has referred the matter of an unlicensed midwife practicing in the state to the Attorney General’s office. 

As GoLocal reported this week, RIDOH said it received “credible evidence that Vanessa Lewis (‘Respondent’) provided professional midwifery services in the state of Rhode Island on December 25, 2023. The Respondent also advertises on their newlifeblessings.com website that they are a home birth midwife that services parts of Rhode Island.”

“The activities described above require licensure pursuant to the Licensing and Regulation of Midwives, specifically R.I. General La 23-13-9. Review of RIDOH licensing records determined that Respondent is not licensed to provide the services described above in the State of Rhode Island,” RIDOH continued. 

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RIDOH ordered Lewis to cease-and-desist midwife activity in Rhode Island.

Law enforcement has confirmed that the baby died.

 

Referring the Matter to AG

“It is a misdemeanor to practice midwifery without a license, and it is a felony to practice as a physician without a license,” RIDOH spokesperson Joseph Wendelken told GoLocal. “Law enforcement may also pursue additional charges, if something criminal (in addition) transpired when that person was practicing without a license.”

“There is no legal requirement for RIDOH to alert law enforcement. However, we contact law enforcement when our investigations identify actions that, in our estimation, may constitute crimes,” said Wendelken.  “Regarding Vanessa Lewis, we have been in contact with the Rhode Island Attorney General. We have referred the matter to them.”

As GoLocal reported, Lewis had previously advertised her services as being available in the Rhode Island market despite her lack of license.

On her website, it stated in services "Caring for families in and around Rhode Island" including in Chepachet, Foster, Glendale, Greenville, Harrisville, Johnston, North Scituate, Pascoag, Providence, Smithfield, Wallum Lake, and Woonsocket. 

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Lewis also cross-marketed photography services for births:

Our investment packages are listed below. We have several options for different family budgets, ranging from principal photography to full documentary services. We want the mothers we help to be able to commemorate this life-changing event with a photography package that works for them.

INCLUDES:

8 hours of continuous labor attendance
4 hours of editing
All digital rights go to the family
Additional add-ons and accessories available

Prints and canvases
a birth story video set to music

Photo Only $1250                    

Fusion Photography & Film: $1995