As a Health Science Researcher, Lactation Consultant, and Childbirth educator working with parents in Virginia for over 20 years, I want to voice my support for passing the Regulations Governing the Practice of Licensed Certified Midwives in Virginia. The passage of the Certified Midwife (CM) regulations is a critical step forward to help increase access to qualified maternity care providers for Virginians. The need is significant in all parts of the state. The graduate-level education CMs receive and the board certification process they complete is identical to Certified Nurse Midwives complete. CMs are well-prepared to stand with their midwifery and OBGYN colleagues to care for vulnerable families in our state. The passage of these regulations will increase access to midwifery care and help elevate maternal and newborn health outcomes in Virginia. Let Virginians lead the effort to improve maternal/child health to bring the nation next on the list as the safest developed countries for maternity care.