Recognizing the longstanding and invaluable contributions of Black midwives to maternal and infant health in the United States.

The bill would designate March 14, 2025 as Black Midwives Day and push federal, state, and local actions to increase Black midwives, expand training and coverage, remove accreditation and legal barriers, and promote culturally competent care.

• Families and Black birthing people: Would promote culturally congruent midwifery to address higher maternal morbidity and mortality among Black mothers and to improve satisfaction and outcomes. It notes the U.S. infant mortality rate rose from about 5.4 to 5.6 deaths per 1,000 live births, the largest rise in two decades.
• Black midwives and students: Would call for more funding for education and training, expanded access to Black preceptors, financial pathways and mentorship, and recognition of midwives across training pathways.
• People in maternity care deserts: Would target areas where about 2.2 million women of childbearing age lack nearby hospitals or birth centers offering maternity care.
• Coverage and practice rules: Would authorize autonomous practice for midwives to the full extent of their training and support TRICARE and Medicaid coverage of midwife-provided maternity care across training pathways.
• Legal and community supports: Would urge destigmatization and decriminalization of midwifery, and formally recognize the historical and ongoing contributions of Black midwives.