HB 2520
Lay Midwifery Informed Consent Notice
Referred to House Children & Youth Committee
Children & Youth
Representative Arvind Venkat
2025-2026
No yet enacted
House Bill 2520 would amend Pennsylvania's Medical Practice Act by establishing informed consent requirements for individuals practicing lay or direct-entry midwifery who are not licensed under the Act. The bill defines "lay midwife," prohibits unlicensed individuals from representing themselves as licensed midwives or administering prescription medications, and requires specific written disclosures and informed consent documents before providing care. The bill also includes a religious exemption for certain informed consent requirements.
The Midwives Alliance of Pennsylvania opposes House Bill 2520 in its current form.
MAP supports informed choice and believes every woman should receive clear, accurate information regarding her maternity care provider's education, credentials, experience, and scope of practice. However, the organization believes HB 2520 unnecessarily places community-based direct-entry and traditional midwives under provisions of the Medical Practice Act despite Pennsylvania's longstanding recognition that these practitioners are not licensed or regulated under that Act.
MAP remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators and stakeholders to develop thoughtful policy solutions that promote informed choice, protect public safety, preserve access to community-based maternity care, and respect the diversity of Pennsylvania's midwifery profession.
HB 2520 is currently before the House Children & Youth Committee.
MAP encourages members and supporters to:
Stay informed through MAP legislative updates.
Contact members of the House Children & Youth Committee and respectfully share concerns regarding the bill.
Participate in MAP advocacy initiatives and legislative action alerts.
Educate policymakers about the role of community-based midwives and the importance of preserving informed choice and access to out-of-hospital maternity care.