I am a 16-year resident of Richmond, VA, and currently a graduate student at Thomas Jefferson University in their Master of Science - Midwifery program. I will finish my program in two years and be qualified to seek certification through AMCB as a midwife. My hope is to continue living and working in Virginia as a Certified Midwife, serving the same community where I live and my children go to school. I hope that these regulations can be passed expeditiously so that more midwives can help provide access to quality care to women throughout their reproductive health lifespan. 

Increasing the number of midwives in the healthcare workforce in Virginia is crucial for meeting the demand for maternity care, improving maternal and newborn outcomes, addressing disparities, promoting woman-centered care, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring access to care in underserved areas. It requires strategic investments in midwifery education, training programs, and supportive policies to foster the growth and integration of midwives within the healthcare system.