My name is Christina Owens and I have been a practicing Certified Professional Midwife at EVa Homebirth, LLC for the last 10 years and have served as a Community Midwife in many of Virginia's healthcare deserts over the years. I am writing to strongly support Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Certified Midwives in Virginia. 

Increasing the number of midwives in the healthcare workforce 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. WE NEED MORE MIDWIVES NOW MORE THAN EVER! It requires strategic investments in midwifery education, training programs, and supportive policies to foster the growth and integration of midwives within the healthcare system. The recent pandemic has brought more light to growing need of midwives in our health systems and communities!