The history of midwifery, New Mexico drought, & New Mexico’s funding of public education

This week on NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS, the hit PBS series “Call the Midwife” soon wraps its second season. A panel of New Mexico midwives will be in the studio to talk about the history of midwifery in the state and its current role. The group will explore the health care community’s response to the practice as well as training standards for different kinds of midwives.

For the first time in its history, Elephant Butte reservoir released not a drop of water for downstream delivery in the month of April. The Line opinion panel assembles to examine the deepening drought in the state.

The group also looks at growing dissatisfaction among school districts with New Mexico’s funding of public education. Board members in Santa Fe recently voiced the possibility of suing the state over the matter.

Former governor Bill Richardson made headlines this week, when he opined on national television that Texas Senator Ted Cruz’s political views shouldn’t define him “as a Hispanic.” Were the governor’s comments ill-delivered or right on the money?

GUEST:
Julie Gorwoda, Midwifery Program Director, UNM School of Nursing

LINE PANELISTS:
Dan Foley, Former New Mexico House Republican Whip
Sophie Martin, Editor in Chief, New Mexico Law Review
Rob Nikolewski, Editor, New Mexico Watchdog
Matthew Reichbach, Founder, NMTelegram.com

CORRESPONDENT: Matt Grubs, NMiF Producer

HOST/COMMENTATOR: Gene Grant

The Producer of NEW MEXICO IN FOCUS is Matt Grubs. Associate Producer is Kathy Wimmer. Funding for this program was provided in part by the McCune Foundation. Subscribe to the New Mexico in Focus Podcast on iTunes.

Episode 645 for air May 10, 2013