Hinson Reintroduces Bipartisan Bill to Expand Midwife Training, Support Moms in Underserved Communities

Washington, D.C. — Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) reintroduced the bipartisan Midwives for MOMS Act alongside Congressman Adam Gray (D-CA-13) to expand the education and training pipeline for credentialed midwives and nurse-midwives, ensuring more providers can serve the communities that urgently need their care. 

“I am on a mission to ensure women in rural Iowa have access to the best possible maternal care while they’re expecting and taking care of a newborn. Increasing midwifery services is a proven way to help expecting moms get the care they need during one of the most pivotal times in their lives and will help us address significant gaps in maternal care. The bipartisan Midwives for MOMS Act will help bring more trained midwives to rural and underserved areas so we have more healthy moms and healthy babies.” – Congresswoman Ashley Hinson

“Many expectant mothers in the Valley don’t have access to dependable maternity care. But it’s not a unique problem: across rural America, women are forced to travel long distances just to receive the essential care they need for a safe pregnancy. I’m proud to partner with my colleague Representative Hinson on this bipartisan commonsense bill to ensure that mothers have reliable access to health care and bring resources home for mothers across the Valley.” – Congressman Adam Gray

"The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) proudly commends our bipartisan congressional champions for introducing the Midwives for MOMS Act. This legislation represents a critical, forward-looking investment in our nation’s maternal health workforce. By expanding support for accredited midwifery education programs, it directly addresses the severe strain U.S. communities and health systems face due to the ongoing shortage of trained maternal health providers. Strengthening access to high-quality, evidence-based midwifery care delivered by certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives is essential to improving maternal and infant health outcomes. With this legislation, we have a powerful opportunity to confront and begin to close the unacceptable disparities that persist in far too many communities across the country.” – Michelle Munroe, CEO of American College of Nurse-Midwives

“Maternity care workforce shortages are driving the rise of maternity care deserts across the U.S. The American Association of Birth Centers commends Representatives Hinson and Gray for their leadership in expanding access to midwifery and birth center care. This legislation will help fund the education of more credentialed midwives, strengthening the maternity care workforce in the communities that urgently need it most.” – Kate Bauer, Executive Director, American Association of Birth Centers

"Across the U.S., gaps in maternity care are widening, and credentialed midwives are a proven part of the solution. Representatives Hinson and Gray’s introduction of the Midwives for MOMS Act takes an important, evidence-informed step toward strengthening the pipeline for midwifery education and expanding access to high-quality care in communities that urgently need more options. The National Association of Certified Professional Midwives is grateful for their leadership." – Cassaundra Jah, Executive Director, National Association of Certified Professional Midwives

Background: 
The Midwives for MOMS Act will help increase the number of trained midwives and nurse-midwives in the United States to help fill gaps in maternity care and improve birth outcomes. The bill authorizes funding for nurse-midwifery and midwifery programs to support students, establish or expand accredited schools or programs, and prepare preceptors.

Bill text can be found here.

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