I think HB is legal in most US states. The problem with it being covered by insurance though is similar to publicly funded homebirths in Australia... Suddenly everyone gets to have a small window opinion of what 'low risk' is. In this state MWs also face criminal charges if they continue care in a 'high risk' pregnancy or birth.

I guess the upside to this approach is that it does keep birth "safe" as we know that homebirth is a perfectly safe option for low risk women, and those that are high risk are safer with medical backup if necessary.

The problem seems to be where they set the parameters, and recognising that most women are indeed low risk.

Something else that would go a long way is educating women to be low risk. Proper nutrition, exercise, birth preparation. I noticed a vast difference between Australia and nz in this regard. Birth is an everyday natural process over there.