Albany, NY – Assemblywoman Amy Paulin (D-Westchester), State Senator Julia Salazar, state legislators, and advocates rallied this week in support of legislation A.1125/S.5542 (Paulin/Salazar) which would establish a route to licensure for Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs).

CPMs specialize in community birth, specifically in out-of-hospital settings, including at home or in a birthing center. Although New York currently licenses certified nurse-midwives and certified midwives, both of which involve extensive education and training in hospital settings, New York does not license CPMs, which are a third path to certification, that 37 other states and Washington D.C. recognize.

CPMs view pregnancy and childbirth as natural functions and prioritize a holistic approach that recognizes the body’s innate capabilities while understanding potential health concerns that might necessitate further intervention.

National evidence shows that when midwives are integrated in a state’s health care system, outcomes improve for mothers and babies. This includes fewer cesarean births and more vaginal births, including after c-sections, higher breastfeeding rates, and higher satisfaction with care.

“Licensing Certified Professional Midwives is an important step towards birth equity,” said Assemblywoman Paulin. “Our state is facing a maternal mortality crisis, especially for mothers of color. In New York City, Black women are nine times more likely to die from childbirth than white women. Midwives provide culturally sensitive care that many mothers struggle to find in a traditional hospital setting. Providing patients with access to midwives is a way to help get at the root of racial disparities in maternal health and mortality.”

State Senator Julia Salazar said, "New York State is facing a maternal health crisis. In 20 NYS counties, no maternal health services are offered--and 21 additional counties have only one hospital providing maternal health care. The rates of maternal mortality and morbidity remain obstinately high, with Black women affected disproportionately. But it doesn't have to be this way, and our bill will help. By establishing the professional practice of community midwifery, this legislation will expand the range of licensed maternal health providers, making these vital services far more accessible to pregnant New Yorkers in rural areas and to New Yorkers who would rather not utilize such services in a hospital. This is a common-sense reform that will see immediate benefits of the highest order. We must solve our maternal health crisis, and that work includes passing our bill establishing the professional practice of community midwifery."

“New York State continues to drag its feet when it comes to licensing Certified Professional Midwives,” said Hilary Schlinger, CNM, RN, CPM-retired, LM, NYCPM Advisor for Midwifery Education “We have consistently seen improved maternal health outcomes in states which license CPMs and integrate their practice into the healthcare system, when compared to states that do not. It is well past time that New York State joins the 38 states in the U.S., and countries across the world, in recognizing the vital role CPMs play in maternal health.”

“All three of my children were born with midwives by my side,” said Paulin. “These wonderful midwives made my birthing experiences incredibly positive. Every birthing woman deserves to have this. The path forward is to expand licensing for midwives so that more women can have healthy, safe and positive birthing experiences and outcomes.”