40 Rally to Protest Nurse’s Arrest : Demonstration: The women gathered in front of the county courthouse to support a Buena Park resident accused of practicing midwifery without a license.

Parents, midwives and nurses demonstrated Monday morning in front of the Orange County Courthouse to protest the recent arrest of a registered nurse accused of practicing midwifery without a license.

More than 40 women, many with children born with the help of a midwife, rallied in support of Lorri Lynn Walker, who is studying to become a midwife.

Walker, of Buena Park, holds an advanced degree as a certificated obstetrics and gynecology nurse practitioner. She said she is licensed to provide prenatal care and as a student nurse-midwife can assist in the delivery of babies while supervised.

“I have been falsely accused,” said Walker, 32, who wore a white T-shirt with the slogan “Midwife Suffragettes.” “I find this ludicrous.”

Walker was arrested May 1 in her home by two investigators from the state Department of Consumer Affairs and taken to the Buena Park Police Department, Police Lt. Tony Kelly said. She was booked into jail on suspicion of practicing midwifery without a license and was released without bail, Kelly confirmed. An arraignment is scheduled June 3 in North Orange County Municipal Court in Fullerton.

The district attorney’s office is reviewing the case and has made no decision whether to file criminal charges against Walker, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Jack Sullens. “We’re still reviewing documents and reports,” he said, adding “the matter is under investigation.”

Stephen Crockwell, supervisor of the department’s division of investigation in Pomona, said that the probe of Walker began after the state Board of Registered Nursing received a complaint.

“They received certain information and felt (that) Lorri Walker was working in an unlicensed capacity,” Crockwell said.

Crockwell, who declined to release details of the investigation, said the Department of Consumer Affairs had probable cause to believe that Walker was practicing midwifery without a license.

Susan Brank, spokeswoman for the state Board of Registered Nursing, confirmed Monday that the board initiated the investigation of Walker based on a consumer complaint. But Brank declined to release specifics about the complaint.

“If a consumer files a complaint, we investigate it,” Brank said.

Stephen B.R. Keller, Walker’s attorney, said his client’s arrest is “completely and utterly without merit.”

“What they’re saying is a registered nurse can’t take blood pressure?” Keller said. “What the real issue is is what kinds of choices women are going to have in birthing.”

The group of protesters Monday also went to the office of the Orange County district attorney to object to the charges against Walker. An assistant district attorney told them the case is under review and that no decision had been made.

Walker’s supporters said they are outraged by the charges against her and believe women have the constitutional right to choose midwives as a birthing option.

Lori Hammarlund, 31, of Costa Mesa, was assisted by a midwife during the birth of her 21-month-old daughter, Sarah, whom she brought along in a stroller.

“It’s just something I believe in. It’s more natural than you can get in a hospital,” Hammarlund said.