May 2025 Newsletter- Midwives: Access is Essential, Coverage is Critical

Midwives: Access is Essential, Coverage is Critical

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“We Deserve Options": Military Families Call for TRICARE Reform Voices from NACPM’s STRIKE Volunteer Team Highlight the Urgent Need for Midwifery Access and Equity in Military What would it mean if military families could choose the birth care that feels safest and most aligned with their values—without worrying about being denied reimbursement? That’s the vision behind the MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act, a bipartisan bill reintroduced in Congress earlier this month. This five-year pilot program would expand TRICARE—the military’s health insurance—to cover midwifery care from all nationally credentialed providers, including Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) and Certified Midwives (CMs). For too long, TRICARE’s limited coverage has excluded CPMs, despite their recognition in most states and strong outcomes for families. As a result, military parents often have to pay out of pocket or go without. And our community is speaking up! “I have been a military spouse for 20+yrs (my husband is still active duty), Birthed 5 children in 3 different states, 2 different countries (last three out of hospital) who's births inspired me to become a licensed midwife.” shared Amanda Winn, a military spouse and CPM. “I worked the first 2yrs after earning my midwifery license at a birth center which serviced TRICARE families. The birth center recently just closed its doors leaving a huge gap for military families.” In San Diego, midwife Kayti Buehler sees the impact firsthand: “I live near a large Marine base. So many families want midwifery care but either can’t access it or pay extreme amounts because CPMs aren’t allowed as TRICARE providers.” These are not isolated stories. Across the country, military families are navigating maternity care deserts, rising costs, and few choices. “This is literally why I’m going to midwifery school,” wrote midwifery student, Allyssa Walker who is a spouse to an active duty service member, “Military members and their dependents deserve a more holistic approach when it comes to birth.” Others are thinking bigger. Amariee Collins, a Licensed Midwife and veteran, urged: “Don’t forget veterans in this fight. We need CPMs, LMs, and CNMs included across the board. It’s the same gap we see in Medicaid reimbursement.” To help elevate these stories and push for policy change, NACPM launched the STRIKE Team—a volunteer-powered advocacy effort made up of midwives, military-connected families, and allies. STRIKE stands for Support, TRICARE, Reform, Integration, Knowledge, and Expansion—the pillars of our campaign to expand access to midwifery care and improve maternal health for those who serve. Midwives offer care that’s relational, evidence-based, and deeply rooted in community. And military families deserve access to that care—whether they’re on base, in a small town, or in a rural community far from a hospital. At NACPM, we believe the MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act is a step toward equity, safety, and true reproductive choice. We’re proud to stand with midwives, military families, and advocates across the country in calling for change. Want to add your voice? Join the STRIKE Team and help move this forward. JOIN THE STRIKE TEAM THANK YOU TO OUR MAY NEWSLETTER SPONSOR The Fresh Test® offers a clean-label, FDA-registered glucose beverage used to screen for gestational diabetes. Made with only three ingredients—dextrose, crystallized lemon, and mint—it is non-GMO, dye-free, and preservative-free. Designed to meet clinical standards while supporting maternal wellness, The Fresh Test is trusted by providers and preferred by patients. Learn more at thefreshtest.com. Certified Professional Midwifery is rooted in tradition, guided by evidence, and shaped by the communities we serve. NACPM is updating the profession’s Core Documents and we’re inviting members to help with this important work. This is your opportunity to review and provide feedback on these documents. Each form focuses on a single standard so you can engage meaningfully without needing to review everything at once. These are living documents that continually evolve with our profession. We especially welcome participation from Certified Professional Midwives  and Stakeholders whose voices have been historically underrepresented. Want to contribute but not yet a member? Join today to take part in the first round of revisions. CLICK HERE TO REVIEW THE PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS DOCUMENTS We’re thrilled to announce that Buckeye Birth Coalition has joined NACPM as our newest State Partner! This  grassroots organization is working to increase birthing options for Ohio families and reduce birth-related deaths through equitable healthcare access and clear communication. Buckeye Birth Coalition advocates for state legislation that protects the health and safety of mothers and infants, while building a connected, statewide network of birth workers and perinatal professionals to improve outcomes and expand care choices across Ohio. Their dedication to advocacy and collaboration makes them an invaluable addition to our national movement. Together, we are building a stronger, more unified voice for Certified Professional Midwives—one that advances policy, strengthens our profession, and centers the needs of birthing people nationwide. Welcome, Buckeye Birth Coalition! We’re so glad to be in this work with you. New Jersey Moves Forward: Companion Senate Bill Introduced for Midwifery Modernization Momentum is building in New Jersey! Assembly bill A5527, sponsored by Assemblywoman Shanique Speight, now has a Senate companion—S4487—introduced by Senator Britnee Timberlake, a dedicated maternal health and reproductive justice advocate. This marks an important step toward long-overdue updates to New Jersey’s midwifery regulations. NACPM is proud to be working closely with the New Jersey Chapter to provide policy support, resources, and responsive collaboration as they push this work forward. With continued advocacy and thoughtful amendments, we’re hopeful that these bills can be passed before the legislature turns over in early 2026. Stay tuned—and thank you to all the advocates in New Jersey helping move midwifery forward! Massachusetts Chapter Advances Midwifery Engagement Through Policy, Simulation, and Community Outreach The Massachusetts Chapter of NACPM participated in the Perinatal Quality Improvement Network (PNQUIN) Semi-Annual Summit this May, joining partners from advocacy groups, hospitals, and research institutions to explore “Pathways to Hope and Healing.” The summit focused on collaborative strategies to improve perinatal outcomes across the state. This spring, the chapter is also participating in the Focused Action Cycle facilitated by the Step Up Together team at Primary Maternity Care. As part of this initiative, members will plan and conduct high-fidelity simulation drills focused on home-to-hospital transfers during labor and the immediate postpartum period. Looking ahead to the summer, the Massachusetts Chapter is launching a series of community outreach and fundraising events. Members will host tables, meet-up groups, and family activities at local events and farmers' markets throughout the season, strengthening connections and raising awareness about community midwifery care. New Tools, Real Impact: Mapping Data to Advance Midwifery Policy Our data initiative compiles state-by-state midwifery information into an easy-to-use tool for advocates, midwives, policymakers, and researchers. From licensure and scope of practice to access to life-saving medications, these maps offer a national picture and the local details you need. States are already using this tool to evaluate and reform policies related to midwifery care like referral and co-management requirements. It’s proof that data can drive change. Now, we’re building the next round of maps—and we need your input. Take our short survey on licensing fees and restrictions related to newborn care. Your insights will help shape our next set of maps—and move the needle on access to care. Explore the current Maps Here Together, we’re turning information into impact. Is there a map that you would like to see? Email admin@nacpm.org with your request! Explore NACPM’s New Research and Current Events We’ve added a Research and Current Events page to the NACPM website to highlight recent studies, articles, and current events connected to midwifery and NACPM’s priority areas. This page is intended as a living resource to help us stay informed and connected to what’s happening in our field and beyond. If you come across relevant research or news you'd like to share, we’d appreciate hearing from you. Please send suggestions to communications@nacpm.org. Visit the Research and Current Events Page Welcome to Our New Student Membership Partners! We’re excited to welcome three incredible midwifery schools to NACPM’s student sponsorship program: Mercy in Action College of Midwifery, Commonsense Childbirth School of Midwifery, and Midwives College of Utah! Thanks to their partnership, enrolled students at these schools now receive free NACPM membership—connecting them to national advocacy, professional resources, mentorship, and a powerful midwifery community. For just $500/year, midwifery schools can sponsor all their students for NACPM membership. It’s a simple, high-impact way to support future CPMs. Reach out to membership@nacpm.org to learn more. Let’s grow this community—together! Join Us for NACPM’s Midwifery Student Social Hour! 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: June 18th, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM PST | 5:00 PM CST | 6:00 PM EST Learn more & register: NACPM.ORG/MIDWIFERYSTUDENTSOCIAL This is your opportunity to engage with NACPM leaders, voice your concerns in a supportive space, and build a strong network of peers. We look forward to seeing you there! NACPM is thrilled to partner with the Birth Rites Collection Summer School 2025, an interdisciplinary program exploring birth through the lens of contemporary art, feminism, ethics, and policy. Whether you're a midwife, artist, academic, or birth justice advocate, this 4-day immersive course offers a powerful opportunity to deepen your work and perspective. NACPM members receive a special discounted rate for online course. Summer School Details: Online: June 11 – July 2, 2025 (Wednesdays + one Saturday session) Topics include: artistic responses to preterm birth, feminist art history, censorship in birth imagery, and more. Led by BRC Curator Helen Knowles and artist Dr. Leni Dothan, with guest speakers including Griselda Pollock, Courtney Conrad, and others. A separate email with your NACPM member discount code and registration details is coming soon! Learn More at Birthrightscoalition.org Midwives: Critical in Every Crisis — and in Every Birth This month, NACPM is shining a spotlight on the power of midwifery advocacy. From TRICARE reform to state-level wins, Certified Professional Midwives are changing policy—not just practice. That’s why we’re inviting you to take the Birth by Birth Pledge—a commitment to support NACPM’s legislative and advocacy work with a donation of just $10 for every birth you attend this year. Whether you’ve attended five births or fifty, your work has ripple effects beyond the birth room. Every pledge fuels campaigns that expand access, protect your right to practice, and ensure midwives have a voice in shaping the future of care. Take the Pledge. Support the Movement. Birth by Birth. Take the Birth by Birth Pledge Now Share Your Midwifery Story: Inspire Change, Educate Communities, and Build the Future of Care Midwifery changes lives. Whether you are a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), student midwife, client, or advocate, your story can help raise awareness, inspire change, and strengthen our collective movement for equitable access to midwifery care. Midwifery is more than a model of care—it’s love, trust, resilience, and transformation. Every birth, every challenge, every moment of connection tells a story that can change hearts and minds. When you share your story, you help others see the beauty and impact of midwifery—and why it must be accessible to all. Your voice can inspire, educate, and ignite change. We’re listening. By sharing your experience, you help: ✔ Educate the public and policymakers about the impact of midwifery. ✔ Advocate for legislation that expands access to CPM care. ✔ Support the next generation of midwives and birth advocates. We want to hear from you! Tell us how midwifery has impacted your life, the challenges you’ve faced, or why you believe in the power of CPM care. Your story can be featured on NACPM’s website, newsletters, social media, and advocacy campaigns to help grow awareness and drive meaningful change. Share Your Story Now June Silent Auction: Win Tickets to the Premier of of Arrest the Midwife at the DC Documentary Film Festival on Saturday, June 14th plus $25 towards concession stand This month, NACPM is thrilled to offer a powerful experience in our silent auction: two tickets to the premiere of the documentary Arrest the Midwife at the DC Documentary Film Festival (DC/DOX)! About the Film: The arrest of midwives in a rural healthcare desert ignites an unexpected rebellion: Amish and Mennonite women, who break from tradition, and emerge as fierce political activists joining the fight for reproductive justice and freedom of choice in birthing rights. Place your Bid Now VIEW OUR EVENT CALENDAR 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. SUBMIT YOUR EVENT HERE Thank you for helping us showcase the incredible work happening in the midwifery community! NACPM is proud to be supported by hundreds of individual donors and these visionary foundations. © 2025 NACPM 8120 RESEARCH BLVD STE 105 PMB 140 If you do not wish to receive further communication like this, unsubscribe here.

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