Zonta International is a global organization of individuals dedicated to building a better world for women and girls. The Zonta USA Advocacy Action Center is a tool for our members in the United States and other individuals who share our commitment to gender equality to take action to improve the lives of women and girls. With your help, we can make a difference..
The bipartisan Maternal and Infant Delivery Wellness and Integration with Vital Expertise Support (MIDWIVES) for Servicemembers Act (H.R. 3202) was reintroduced by Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland (D-WA) and co-sponsored by Representatives Emily Randall (D-WA), Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) and Jen Kiggans (R-VA). The bill would increase maternity care for servicemembers and their families by extending midwifery care to those enrolled in TRICARE through a 5-year pilot program. With more than half of U.S. birth centers staffed by Certified Professional Midwives, this legislation will dramatically expand access to birth center services. While immediately expanding access to midwifery care, this legislation also gives the Department of Defense the option to permanently expand coverage if the pilot program is successful.
The MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act is endorsed by the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM), National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), Birth Center Equity (BCE), Policy Institute for Community Birth and Midwifery (PICBM), True North Birth Center, and the National Partnership on Women and Families. NACPM strongly supports this bill as a meaningful, evidence-based solution that honors the dignity, autonomy, and well-being of our nation’s servicemembers and their families.
“It is our job to support our servicemembers, and this includes providing help before, during and after childbirth,” said Strickland. “This bill expands midwifery care options, giving servicemembers and their families the care that they deserve.”
“As a Navy veteran and former nurse practitioner, I know firsthand the importance of high-quality, accessible maternal care for our military families,” said Kiggans. The MIDWIVES for Service Members Act is a commonsense, data-driven solution that expands care options under TRICARE, improves outcomes for mothers and babies, and helps reduce strain on military healthcare systems. I’m proud to help lead this bipartisan effort to better support those who serve by delivering the care they and their families deserve.”
Please use our pre-drafted letters to urge your representatives to co-sponsor and support the Maternal and Infant Delivery Wellness and Integration with Vital Expertise Support (MIDWIVES) for Servicemembers Act (H.R. 3202). If they have already sponsored or co-sponsored the bill, you can send a message of thanks.