I am a Certified Professional Midwife serving Lynchburg, Virginia, and the surrounding areas. I am writing to express my support for licensure and regulation as proposed for licensed certified midwives in the state of Virginia. Midwives play a vital role in promoting positive maternal and newborn health outcomes. As the international healthcare provider shortage increases and maternity wards at more and more community hospitals are closed, it becomes more vital than ever that we take the steps available to us to facilitate the WHO goals to empower midlevel providers. In my community midwives provide a huge proportion of the maternity care and have the best outcomes, but we are still overtaxed and understaffed.

Licensed certified midwives provide comprehensive, evidenced-based care throughout the childbirth continuum, sexual and reproductive health, gynecologic and primary care throughout the lifespan focusing on preventive measures, health promotion, and personalized care. 

Licensed certified midwives are equipped with the same advanced practice midwifery skill-set and certification as Certified Nurse-Midwives who have successfully been licensed in the state for many years. Licensure of certified midwives is crucial to strengthening the healthcare workforce by diversifying and increasing the range of available healthcare practitioners. By recognizing the “CM credential”, we ensure that Virginians have access to a range of healthcare options that align with their preferences and values, promoting patient-centered care.