Loudon deserves our praise

To the editor:People of Missouri should laud state Sen. John Loudon, architect of the recently enacted legislation that will permit midwifery.

While I can't speak to his methods, I believe his accomplishment would make Thomas Jefferson, whose statue stands at the entrance to the Capitol, proud.

Much of the discussion in the last few days has been focused on the political maneuvering that gave birth to the legislation. Most of us will never be able to understand all of the political motives that give rise to voice or vote in government. However, we should all be able to understand the principle of an issue if and when it's separated from the rhetoric of the moment.

The underlying question is this: Are governments established to "secure rights," as explained by Mr. Jefferson, or are "governments instituted among men" to prevent competition from alternative services?

The real right to medical care, be it from a physician or midwife, should rest with the individual, not with government. Missouri laws that deny the rights of its citizens by preventing the practice of midwifery should be recognized, as George Reisman wrote, a "perversion of the individual's actual, rational right to medical care."

Loudon, during Senate debate, challenged his colleagues by asking: "Are we going to vote for freedom here, or are we going to let a narrow special interest in the hall stand in the way of compromise?"

We should all be thankful that the freedom to use midwives in Missouri was secured by the 2007 session of the Missouri Legislature.

BRUCE HILLIS, Director, Missouri First, Columbia, Mo.