Brown Champions Midwifery Modernization Act During Midwifery Advocacy Day

HARRISBURG - In recognition of National Midwifery Week, Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) hosted a Midwifery Advocacy Day along with midwives, advocates and fellow legislators to raise awareness and celebrate the introduction of legislation aimed at modernizing midwifery practice across Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1262 - or the Midwifery Modernization Act - would expand access to high-quality maternity care for families across the commonwealth by modernizing midwifery laws and improving maternal health outcomes.

"Pennsylvania families are facing increasing barriers when it comes to accessing quality maternal and infant health care, especially in rural areas," said Brown. "The March of Dimes' latest Maternity Care Desert Report highlights the difficult choices many families face, with residents in 20 counties needing to travel out of their communities to find care. By passing the Midwifery Modernization Act, we can align Pennsylvania with national trends, expand access to essential care and ensure that certified midwives can continue to provide high-quality, professional support for expecting mothers and their newborns. This legislation is a vital step toward improving maternal health care and outcomes in the commonwealth."

Midwives play an essential role in the health care system, providing comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and gynecological services. Their expertise includes identifying high-risk pregnancies, monitoring maternal health, and offering support during labor and delivery, as well as addressing postpartum mental health.

The Midwifery Modernization Act amends the Medical Practice Act of 1985, updating licensure for certified midwives, modernizing prescription regulations for drug addiction treatment and improving collaboration between midwives and physicians. This legislative update will expand access to maternal care, increase patient choice and improve health outcomes for families across the state.

Brown was joined by advocates and health care professionals who underscored the importance of midwifery care.

"March of Dimes supports efforts to increase access to midwifery care in all states. Midwives can improve access to maternity care in under-resourced areas, reduce interventions that contribute to the risk of maternal mortality and morbidity in pregnancies, lower costs, and improve the health of mothers and babies," said Melissa Patti, director of Maternal and Infant Health at March of Dimes.

"The Pennsylvania Affiliate of the American College of Nurse-Midwives (PA ACNM) is glad that midwifery is being included in discussions on how to improve outcomes for Pennsylvania families. Accessible midwifery care will help turn the tide on the poor outcomes we see across the state. The more midwives working to the full extent of their education and certification, the more highly qualified professionals we'll have to deliver the high-quality care Pennsylvanians deserve," said Emily McGahey, clinical director at the Midwife Center and Region 2 representative on the American College of Nurse-Midwives board.

To become certified, Pennsylvania midwives must complete rigorous education and licensure requirements, including a bachelor's degree in nursing, an accredited midwifery education program, passing the national certification exam and maintaining licensure through continuing education.

View the entire press conference here.

CONTACT:
Christine Zubeck

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