History
In 1982, two Certified Nurse-Midwives (CNMs), Kathryn Schrag and
Mariann Shinoskie, joined together to open Arizona's first
freestanding birth center. John N. Vrtiska, MD was our consulting
obstetrician/gynecologist and continues to be a vital part of this
practice. From 1986-1989 the Birth Center was a part of Thomas Davis
Medical Center. We then became a private OB/GYN and Nurse
Midwifery/Nurse Practitioner practice and became Birth & Women's
Health Center, which moved locations to be adjacent to Tucson Medical
Center. In 1998, we joined several other OB/GYNs to become Associates
in Women's Health Care, LLC.
In May of 2002, Associates in Women's Health Care (AWHC), the parent organization of the Birth Center, announced their decision to abruptly discontinue midwifery services and the Birth Center option due to financial concerns. The response from patients, staff and the community at large was swift and of one voice: Tucson needs its Birth Center. There has to be a way. The Foundation for Women's Health and Wellness committed itself to the goal of reopening the Center as a nonprofit entity.
The summer was a frenzy of activity. Several of the nurse-midwives incorporated as a private practice to continue midwifery services, with all births taking place at Tucson Medical Center. AWHC offered to continue being the collaborating physicians, to continue malpractice insurance and managed care contracts for the CNMs, and to provide three months of rent-free space at the Birth Center for the CNM practice.
The Foundation launched an emergency fundraising campaign and solicited over $20,000 in donations. An active volunteer program was established to assist the midwifery practice and Foundation. The Center was reopened on Labor Day 2002. Since that time, the Center has been sustained by the need, commitment, and generosity of the community and is dedicated to preserving and promoting holistic health care options for women and their families. Over 6000 families have received care here.
We have National Accreditation by the Commission for the Accreditation
of Freestanding Birth Centers and are licensed by Arizona Department
of Heath Services.
Our facility includes space for office visits, as well as a place to
give birth. The Birth Center was designed to offer families the
comfort and privacy of home along with safety and security. There are
three spacious birthing rooms with deep tubs and a Jacuzzi especially
designed for water births. In addition, there are outdoor patios, a
kitchen/dining area and a family room. We are located less than three minutes
from Tucson Medical Center. Should you need or choose to give
birth in a hospital, you will be admitted to TMC where you will be
cared for by our CNMs and consulting physicians.