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Prosecutor files complaint for repeated malpractice by former midwife
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Prosecutor files complaint for repeated malpractice by former midwife

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The state is prosecuting a former Arizona midwife after she was suspected of providing illegal medical care to patients despite having her license revoked earlier this year when a mother and baby died during childbirth.

Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes filed the complaint against former midwife Sarah Kankiewicz on July 30 for violating a settlement agreement that revoked the midwife’s license for 15 years.

The Department of Health Services received a complaint on July 17 that Kankiewicz submitted prenatal lab orders for a client using the title “LM” after her name, which stands for licensed midwife, five days after her license was revoked.

According to the Attorney General, performing midwifery services without a license is a Class 6 felony.

For Kankiewicz, this complaint is one of many he has received since obtaining his license in 2020.

Kankiewicz was investigated by DHS in June 2023 for violating rules governing her license, and on January 30, her license was suspended for 6 months.

The suspension came a month after a Safford mother and her infant died under Kankiewicz’s care in December 2023, prompting another investigation.

Following those deaths, the midwife received five citations, according to court documents, and was investigated by DHS for failing to recognize signs of distress in her client and failing to transfer care to an emergency medical provider.

On June 12, Kankiewicz agreed to settle her misconduct with the Attorney General and voluntarily accept a 15-year ban from providing midwifery services in Arizona. She also agreed to remove any advertisements or social media accounts that suggested she might provide midwifery services.

However, court documents state that Kankiewicz posted on the Instagram account for her business, Wild Birth Services, on July 19: “Ever wonder what happens in the state of Arizona when an unlicensed midwife tries to continue practicing? Let’s find out together.”

DHS confirmed on July 24 that Kankiewicz was working as an unlicensed midwife and the attorney general filed a complaint against her.

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