| | Collective Power & Collective Voice in Continuing the Legacy of Midwifery
By: Lisa Gendron, LM, CPM
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| As midwives embedded in and working within our communities, CPMs are often called to examine our relationship to those communities — especially in times of social, economic, and cultural change. Over the past five years, we have been required to approach community-based midwifery with greater creativity, dynamism, compassion, and groundedness.
As our global communities have faced continued natural disasters, the impacts of global environmental change, threats of systemic and institutional violence, and economic and social instability, midwives have continued to attend to our communities with the same commitment to holistic well-being. This is no small task, as these realities — and the collective and personal griefs they bring — have also required midwives to confront our own traumas, losses, cultural and personal assumptions, limitations, and vulnerabilities.
When we consider how to build community resilience and safety — not only for birth, but for lasting societal justice — we can feel small in our capacity to change what harms our communities. Yet, if the past few years have taught us anything, it is the essential power of collective voice and collective action.
For midwives, this work takes many forms. It includes the quiet, committed practice of ensuring true informed consent and refusal in individual care. It also includes legislative advocacy to expand access to and reimbursement for community midwifery models, as well as integrated community health work. Beyond clinical and policy efforts, midwives and other activists engage in tireless work to address the social determinants of health, including food access and justice, reproductive education and family planning, anti-oppression efforts, and work to dismantle racism, classism, and sexism. Together, we move to reclaim the human birthright of well-being.
I invite you to recall that this has always been the work of midwives, who have served as healers, community thought partners, caretakers, and changemakers throughout mythic story and recorded history. We have always refused to turn our backs on what is just and what is kind, and we have worked to align ourselves with the cause of justice.
“The moment we choose to love we begin to move against domination, against oppression. The moment we choose to love we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others.” —bell hooks |
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| Special Offer Extended for NACPM Members! |
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| We’re thrilled to extend an incredible offer available exclusively to NACPM members. From now until March 20, members can purchase the Masimo Rad-G Pulse Oximeter (with temperature sensor, suitable for newborns, children, and adults) for the remarkable price of $540. (Yes, it’s FDA approved for CCHD screening use.)
This is a significant savings on a high-quality, versatile clinical tool widely used across community birth settings.
Members: The private purchase link should be in your inbox. Reach out to our Operations Manager, Abriah Miles, at operations@nacpm.org if you don’t see it.
Not yet a member? Now is the perfect time to join the NACPM community. Become a member today and get access to this and other special offers! |
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| On January 28, 2026, NACPM and Uplift Lab at Oregon State University hosted a webinar in conjunction with the launch of our collaborative, two-year, “Think Big Initiative.” The goal of the initiative is to envision and design the national infrastructure upgrades needed to expand universal access to community midwifery care.
Supported by a $500,000 grant from Skyline Foundation, this work responds directly to the 2020 National Academies of Sciences report, Birth Settings in America, identifying community-based midwifery care as a key solution to the U.S. maternal mortality crisis. |
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| | This initiative brings together midwives, advocates, researchers, policy experts, and community health leaders to address those barriers across five critical infrastructure domains: Quality Improvement – Building peer-driven systems that strengthen practice and support for community midwives Data Collection & Research – Documenting what we do well and using evidence to support community birth Workforce Development – Growing and diversifying the midwifery workforce to meet community needs Policy Reform – Advancing licensure, Medicaid coverage, and equitable access across all states Systems Integration – Creating collaborative relationships that honor autonomy and physiologic birth
Wan to get involved? We’re seeking delegates and domain leads who want to be part of shaping this blueprint over the next two years. We’re also gathering community input and want to hear your ideas. Our aim is to build the collaborative relationships that will turn vision into infrastructure that protects, strengthens, and expands community birth. |
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| Our State Policy Report is Here! |
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| We recently released our 2025 State Policy Report. It is a comprehensive look at where policies affecting CPMs stood in 2025, what we learned together, and how those lessons are shaping our path in the 2026 legislative season.
Inside the report, you’ll find: A clear snapshot of CPM regulation across the U.S., including states pursuing initial licensure and those working to optimize existing systems Detailed case studies from Georgia, Mississippi, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, and West Virginia, documenting not only outcomes, but strategy A transparent explanation of how NACPM evaluates legislation, including decriminalization, scope, governance, autonomy, and sustainability Practical resources for advocates, especially those newer to legislative work, on how state policy actually moves
The report is meant to be a tool for state leaders, chapters, partners, and allies. If you are considering legislation, regulation, or policy engagement in your state, we encourage you to reach out. Our Legislative & Policy Analyst, Zev Colsen (advocacy@nacpm.org), is available to support your efforts — from strategic planning and language review to coalition mapping and testimony preparation. |
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“Know Your Rights” Webinar is Now Available |
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| On February 18, NACPM & Kolibri International Birth Institute (KIBI) hosted the webinar, “Know Your Rights – An Immigrant and U.S. Citizen Perspective,” presented by immigration attorney Iris Albizu Rivera.
The purpose of the webinar was to offer practical, rights-based information from both immigrant and U.S. citizen perspectives, raising awareness to help families stay informed about important immigration updates and resources. Missed it? Access the recording below.👇 |
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| NACPM has also developed a new document titled, “Help Protect Access to Prenatal, Birth, and Postpartum Care in an Era of Immigration Enforcement”. |
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| This new guidance was developed to support midwives, birth centers, and community-based practices. Inside, you’ll find guidance on: Educating clients and staff about rights and limitations Creating clear, lawful response protocols Designing privacy-protective documentation and operational practices Using telehealth ethically and safely Supporting the wellbeing and sustainability of both clients and providers
Download a copy.
Together, we can ensure that all families — regardless of immigration status or enforcement policies — have better access to the care, dignity, and continuity they deserve. |
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| Don’t miss NACPM’s Annual Meeting as we celebrate 2025’s achievements, share our vision for 2026, and welcome Melissa Cheyney, PhD — midwife, researcher, and advocate — as our keynote speaker.
We’ll highlight new resources, state chapter wins, key advocacy efforts, and financial support for aspiring midwives!
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 Time: 2-4 p.m. CST // 3-5 p.m. EST
Join midwives, advocates, and change-makers in shaping the future of midwifery. We can’t wait to see you there! |
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| Join us at NACPM’s Virtual Conference! |
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| We’re thrilled to announce NACPM’s first-ever virtual conference, “Centering Midwives, Restoring Care,” taking place May 20–21, 2026.
This two-day, immersive, virtual experience will bring together leading voices across clinical care, education, advocacy, research, equity, and systems change. With a strong emphasis on the latest research and evidence-based practice, this conference is designed to support and strengthen midwifery leadership at every level.
What to expect: 2 full days of live, virtual programming 4 learning sessions per day with interactive Q&A 12 MEAC continuing education contact hours (pending) Direct engagement with experts shaping the future of midwifery
This conference is for YOU. Whether you are a midwife, educator, student, or advocate, you’ll connect with others committed to advancing perinatal health, racial equity, workforce sustainability, and system-level change.
Together, we’ll foster a supportive birth ecosystem for growth, leadership, and long-term impact in midwifery.
Registration is now open!
Want more savings? Become an NACPM member to receive an additional discount code. CPMs and Friends of NACPM get 20% off; students get 30% off. Discount codes are emailed to members. Contact operations@nacpm with any questions!
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| Black Midwifery Collective is a New Partner! |
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| NACPM is proud to announce our newest partner, Black Midwifery Collective.
The mission of BMC is "to improve health outcomes for Black birthing individuals, by actively addressing disparities in maternal and infant health that have disproportionately affected our community. We aim to revolutionize midwifery models of care, by increasing the racial diversity of Community Midwives to combat obstetric racism, and dismantle institutionalized birth practices."
Join us as we welcome Black Midwifery Collective!🎉 |
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| 2026 Lobby Day Success in Oregon! |
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| The 2026 Lobby Day for Midwives, a joint event between Oregon Midwifery Council and ACNM Oregon Affiliate, was a great success! We had over 35 attendees, a strong presence of student midwives, and we met with many legislators to discuss the vital importance of midwives in every setting. We look forward to building long-term relationships with our representatives, and bringing forward future legislation to support and strengthen community midwifery in Oregon.
Please join us for our upcoming OMC Spring Conference, a virtual conference available worldwide with an in-person watch party in Portland, OR! The conference will be from 8:30am-5:30pm PDT on Friday March, 20th, 2026 and will provide 7 OMC and ACNM CEs (pending). You can read about our fantastic lineup of presenters and topics and purchase tickets here. — Andrea Keating, OMC President, omcpresident@ormidwifery.org |
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| Interested in Starting an NACPM Chapter or Becoming an NACPM Partner? |
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| The NACPM Chapter & Partner Program strengthens the midwifery profession and advances birth health policy so that all childbearing people and babies have a healthy start. NACPM offers two, formal pathways for states and territories to engage in this work: Chapters and Partners.
Forming a State/Territory Chapter or becoming a State/Territory Partner creates a powerful collective voice. In collaboration with NACPM nationally, Chapters and Partners work to: Build a diverse and sustainable CPM workforce Connect and support midwives across regions Influence state and federal policy Advocate for autonomous midwifery regulation
State-based leadership plays a critical role in licensing, scope of practice, and governance, while federal advocacy shapes access, reimbursement, and innovation. Together, coordinated local and national efforts create meaningful, lasting progress.
If you’re interested in learning more about starting a chapter or becoming a partner in your State/Territory, we’d love to connect at our upcoming chapters and partners collaboration call on March 25th at 4pm EST. Register today! |
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| Calling Student Midwives! |
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| NACPM invites you to our Midwifery Student Social Hour — a space for student midwives to connect, share experiences, and discuss the unique challenges and opportunities within midwifery education and practice.
Date: March 11, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM PST | 3:00 PM CST | 4:00 PM EST
This is an opportunity for students to engage with NACPM leaders, voice their concerns in a supportive space, and build a strong network of peers. We look forward to seeing you there. |
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| Webinar: CPM Credential & Scope of Practice in Colorado |
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| This webinar is designed to provide a foundation of knowledge about the CPM credential for maternal and infant care providers who are unfamiliar with the training, education, and scope of practice of CPMs.
A panel of CPMs will describe: The Midwifery Model of Care Education and training required for the CPM credential and licensure Practice environment of CPMs in Colorado Most common obstetric or newborn emergencies in the field Most common reasons for needing transfer to a hospital and more!
Childbirth legal experts will address common vicarious liability questions that arise during transfers of care. 👉Register! |
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| Join the Conversation: Maternal Mental Health Roundtable |
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| | VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR HERE. (If viewing on mobile device, hover over the gray calendar boxes.)
SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE. If you or people in your network/community are hosting relevant events, or events that offer CEUs to midwives, please share this form with them so that we can feature their event on our calendar. |
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| | NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. |
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