I submit this comment in support of the Virginia Certified Midwife regulations. Virginia is setting a precedent by joining the growing list of states that recognize and license Certified Midwives. The U.S. has a major shortage of maternity care providers with nearly half of all U.S counties not having a single practicing obstetric provider (OBGYN, midwife, or Family medicine). Pregnant people in urban centers and rural areas have limited access to perinatal care and poor pregnancy outcomes continue to affect our communities. Increased access to highly trained Certified Midwives will help to bridge the care gap and is a big step in the right direction to show Virginia cares about pregnant people, maternal health, and the well-being of newborns. I support the regulations and look forward to partnering and collaborating with Certified Midwife colleagues in the near future.