Arizona Midwife Continued Practice Despite License Surrender Following Tragic Deaths, Claims AG

Sarah Kankiewicz, a non-nurse midwife, has come under scrutiny for allegedly practicing midwifery after previously surrendering her license following tragic incidents involving the deaths of a mother and her newborn.

Reports indicate that Kankiewicz was served with a complaint from the Arizona Attorney General’s Office for violations of a settlement agreement from June 2024, which required her to cease all midwifery practice. The complaint outlines that despite surrendering her license, she has continued to provide midwifery services while using titles that suggest she holds a valid license.

The Arizona Attorney General is now seeking an injunction to halt her unauthorized practice. Evidence gathered by the Department of Health Services (ADHS) substantiates allegations of unlicensed care, with Kankiewicz facing the possibility of a class 6 felony charge.

After the dual fatalities, an investigation revealed that Kankiewicz had inadequately safeguarded her patients, violating health regulations specifically related to home births for clients with prior cesarean sections and transfusions.

Kankiewicz’s license was initially revoked as part of a settlement reached in June. This agreement prohibited her from practicing midwifery in Arizona for 15 years, coupled with mandates to eliminate any marketing or social media presence related to midwifery services.

Shockingly, Parker Terry, the husband and father of the deceased mother and child, reported that Kankiewicz’s return to practice was revealed to him at the end of July. “We were healing and then it was sent to me that Sarah is practicing,” he stated, reflecting the distress felt by the family.

In a brief phone interview, Kankiewicz defended her recent activities, claiming to offer only birth pool rentals and breastfeeding support through her business, Wild Birth Services. Terry responded to her claims, emphasizing that acknowledging her full scope of practice could lead to felony charges in Arizona.

The unfolding situation raises serious questions about oversight and accountability within midwifery practices in the state.