At the end of April, the Department of Education issued a final rule, Reimagining and Improving Student Education, which, when it goes into effect on July 1, will exclude graduate nursing programs from qualifying for the federal Grad Plus Student loan program for...

Illinois recently adopted SR 713, recognizing April 11–17, as Black Maternal Health Week in the state.This resolution highlights the importance of addressing maternal health disparities, improving maternal health outcomes, and advancing equitable, culturally competent care...

Georgia recently enacted HB 1138, the Increasing Access to Contraceptives Act, expanding access to contraceptive services across the state.This law authorizes trained pharmacists to prescribe and dispense certain contraceptives, requires health insurance plans and Georgia...

Delaware recently adopted HCR 109, officially recognizing April 11–17 as Black Maternal Health Awareness Week.This resolution highlights the importance of addressing disparities in maternal health outcomes and raising awareness of the challenges faced by Black mothers and...

Colorado recently enacted HB 26-1044, legislation designed to improve maternal health equity and address disparities in maternal health outcomes across the state.This law would strengthen maternal health systems by expanding provider education on cultural competence, equity...

New Jersey lawmakers are considering S 3408, a bill that would extend Medicaid coverage for pregnant individuals through 12 months postpartum.This legislation would ensure continuous coverage for a full year after pregnancy, helping patients access critical postpartum care,...

North Carolina lawmakers are considering HB 474, a bill that would establish a right to access contraception.This legislation would protect individuals’ ability to obtain and use contraceptive services, helping ensure patients can access essential preventive care and make...

Ohio lawmakers are considering SB 438, a bill that would regulate the practice of midwifery and support freestanding birthing centers.This legislation would establish a framework for the practice of midwifery and oversight of birth centers, helping expand access to maternal...

New Jersey lawmakers are considering A 4052, a bill that would expand the scope of practice for advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs).This legislation would allow experienced APRNs to provide care more independently, including diagnosing, treating, and prescribing...

California lawmakers are considering AB 2164, a bill that would strengthen legal protections for individuals and providers involved in reproductive healthcare services.This legislation would enhance protections for patients and providers, including those providing or...

California lawmakers are considering AB 1973, a bill that would expand and clarify which qualified providers may deliver abortion care. This legislation would allow nurse practitioners, certified nurse-midwives, and other trained providers to perform these services,...

California lawmakers are considering AB 1882, a bill that would establish a Safe Delivery Fund Pilot Program to support hospitals providing maternity services in geographically isolated areas. This legislation would provide funding to hospitals that maintain standby...

California lawmakers are considering SB 912, a bill that would strengthen the state’s comprehensive perinatal services programs and expand access to community-based maternal health services.This legislation would improve coordination and oversight of perinatal care...

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering S 1244, a bill that would strengthen access to reproductive healthcare services and emergency care.This legislation would require hospitals to provide necessary treatment for pregnancy-related emergencies, including complications such...

Dear :Massachusetts lawmakers are considering S 3045, a bill that would strengthen the midwifery workforce and support access to birth center care.This legislation would require insurers to reimburse certified nurse-midwives and licensed midwives at the same rate as...

Massachusetts lawmakers are considering H 2428, a bill that would introduce new restrictions on abortion care.This legislation would limit when and where certain procedures can be performed and require additional physician approvals in some cases. It would also establish...

AWHONN supports and promotes a woman’s right to accurate and complete information and access to reproductive health care services. AWHONN opposes legislation and policies that would limit a health care provider’s ability to counsel patients as to their full range of...

The Association of Women’s Health, Obstetric and Neonatal Nurses supports H.R. 2531/S. 1232—the Workplace Violence Prevention for Health Care and Social Service Workers Act, which would establish an enforceable Workplace Violence Prevention Standard that would protect...

President Donald Trump signed H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill, into law on Friday, July 4. The U.S. Senate passed (51-50) the bill on June 30, and the House passed it (218-214) on July 3.  AWHONN opposed the passage of H.R. 1 because it includes a provision...