08/28/2026
How can we better support, expand, and integrate midwife-led care in the US and Pennsylvania?
March of Dimes, in their recent report on maternity care deserts, calls for more investment in midwives and birth centers as an essential solution to this growing issue. They outlined key policy recommendations to better expand and integrate midwifery care in all U.S. states, including:
-Independent practice
-Prescribing authority
-Hospital admitting privileges
-Pay parity
-Licensure of Certified Midwives
In Pennsylvania, thanks to ongoing advocacy efforts, there has been meaningful momentum towards integrating midwives into the broader healthcare system. Just this spring, Pennsylvania passed Midwifery Modernization legislation, now Act 14, which expands licensure for certified midwives. Emily McGahey, our Clinical Director, was an integral part of the push for this legislation and is supporting experts throughout PA in implementing the new law.
Through our collaborative agreements with physicians and hospitals, The Midwife Center’s midwives also have prescribing authority and hospital admitting privileges. However, PA midwives are not fully supported by law to practice independently. Reimbursement rates also remain one of the biggest challenges for The Midwife Center and midwives in Pennsylvania, as the time-intensive, high-quality care we provide is not reimbursed at the same rate as physician and hospital services, despite exceptional and cost-saving outcomes from midwife-led care.
Learn more about the report, how it relates to The Midwife Center’s care, and how you can support March of Dimes' recommendations on our blog: https://midwifecenter.org/news/maternity-care-deserts