Phoenix, Arizona – Arizona health officials are in the process of potentially revoking the license of midwife Sarah Kankiewicz after receiving multiple complaints and reports of deaths related to her services. A recent meeting was held to discuss the future of Kankiewicz’s license, following a notice of intent issued by the state’s Department of Health Services earlier this year.
The controversy surrounding Kankiewicz’s practices has raised concerns about transparency within the Arizona health system, with officials declining to provide detailed information about the ongoing case. Multiple women have come forward, sharing harrowing experiences involving Kankiewicz, with one woman’s baby tragically passing away and another woman’s baby having to be resuscitated in a hospital.
Complaints against Kankiewicz date back to 2020 when Heather Flowers, after opting for a home birth under Kankiewicz’s care, faced serious complications during labor. Despite Kankiewicz’s licensing as a midwife in early 2020, Flowers experienced significant issues during the birth that resulted in long-lasting physical effects. Flowers filed a complaint with the ADHS, sparking an investigation that revealed multiple violations by Kankiewicz.
Further issues arose leading up to the tragic deaths of Jordan and Mack Terry in December 2023, where Kankiewicz’s failure to conduct vital checks and adhere to protocol resulted in devastating consequences. State investigations uncovered further negligence on Kankiewicz’s part, with the home birth not meeting the necessary requirements for approval. This incident led to additional citations by the ADHS, highlighting a pattern of inadequate care provided by Kankiewicz.
Former ADHS director, Will Humble, weighed in on the challenges of expanding the scope of midwifery practice in Arizona, emphasizing the importance of transparency in ensuring the safety of families seeking home birth services. With Kankiewicz’s license currently active despite pending revocation talks, concerns persist about the regulation and oversight of midwives in the state.
The case of Sarah Kankiewicz serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in home births and the importance of thorough research and oversight in selecting healthcare providers. As the investigation into Kankiewicz’s practices continues, the need for transparent and stringent regulation within the midwifery field remains a critical aspect of ensuring the well-being of expecting mothers and their infants.
