Tucson Standard

U.S. Congressmen Juan Ciscomani (AZ-06) and Derek Kilmer (WA-06) have introduced a bipartisan initiative aimed at expanding access to midwifery care for servicemembers and their families. The Maternal and Infant Delivery: Wellness, and Integration with Vital Expertise Support (MIDWIVES) for Servicemembers Act proposes a 5-year pilot program to extend midwifery care to those enrolled in TRICARE. If successful, the Department of Defense may permanently expand this coverage.

“As our troops and military families selflessly serve our nation, it is our duty to take care of them and ensure they have access to the care they need," said Ciscomani. "While planning to welcome a new child to your family is an exciting time, serving in the military or having a spouse in uniform can pose additional difficulties for our mothers-to-be. I am proud to join Rep. Kilmer on a bipartisan effort to expand access to midwifery care to those enrolled in TRICARE so military mothers can receive the care they need."

“If you serve this country, Congress should have your back and invest in you and your family,” said Kilmer. “By expanding TRICARE coverage to additional types of midwives, this legislation makes significant strides in supporting servicemembers and their dependents who depend on accessible maternity healthcare. This would directly ensure that those affected by labor and delivery unit closures, like the one at Naval Hospital Bremerton, are covered by other available providers and are able to get the medical care they need when they need it.”

The MIDWIVES Act has garnered support from several organizations including the American Association of Birth Centers (AABC), the National Association of Certified Professional Midwives (NACPM), and the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM).

"The American Association of Birth Centers is pleased to support the Midwives for Servicemembers Act,” said AABC President Aubre Brouillette Tompkins. “Expanding midwifery coverage to include certified professional midwives and certified midwives will dramatically increase access to midwifery-led birth center care. We applaud Reps. Kilmer and Ciscomani's efforts to improve access to high-quality maternity care for our service members and their families."

“NACPM is excited about the introduction of the MIDWIVES for Servicemembers Act, marking a pivotal step toward broadening access to credentialed midwifery care for military families,” said NACPM Executive Director Cassaundra Jah. “This legislation is vital in guaranteeing that all service members and their families receive the highest quality maternal care, no matter where they are stationed. By supporting this bill, we are one step closer to addressing disparities and improving maternal outcomes in the United States.”

“The American College of Nurse-Midwives thanks members of Congress for recognizing the critical role midwives play in providing high-quality care to patients of all ages and backgrounds throughout the lifespan,” said ACNM CEO Michelle Munroe. “We are especially grateful that the needs of members of our armed services will be addressed by increasing access to midwifery care with Tricare reimbursement for certified midwives. As a retired Colonel, I personally understand the value this gives to our military families.”