New Jersey legislators introduced a bill to establish a Board of Midwifery to ensure that midwifery professionals are regulated by a board with the expertise and authority to establish appropriate, evidence-based professional standards. However, amendments to A5404 have fundamentally changed the bill and undermined its original intent. The amended legislation also introduces additional administrative, reporting, and insurance burdens, narrows the definition of midwifery care, and risks creating unnecessary barriers to practice.
A Board of Midwifery must have the authority to regulate midwifery practice—not simply exist in name.
These provisions threaten the promise of meaningful regulatory reform and could undermine efforts to strengthen New Jersey's midwifery workforce and expand access to evidence-based, midwifery-led care.
TAKE ACTION TODAY
- Contact your New Jersey state legislators.
Call or email your state Assembly members and state senator. Urge them to vote NO on A5404 as currently written. - Spread the word.
Share this message with anyone who supports access to evidence-based, high-quality healthcare for women. Encourage others to contact their legislators, too.
TAKE ACTION NOW!
Our Message Is Clear
We support a Board of Midwifery. We oppose legislation that would limit women's access to high-quality care.
A midwifery regulatory framework that reflects accredited midwifery education, clinical training, national certification, and professional expertise will benefit New Jersey families while supporting safe, evidence-based care for the people and families they serve.
Contact your legislators. Share this call to action. Make your voice heard.
For questions about A5404 and its implications for midwifery as practiced by Certified Nurse-Midwives and Certified Midwives in New Jersey, contact Julie Blumenfeld at jab910@sn.rutgers.edu or Patty McGaughey at mcgaugheyp@montclair.edu.